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The history of free masonry
and the Grand Lodge of Scotland I
iam Alexander Laurie, David Brewster,
liel Brewster, Freemasons. Grand Lodge of Scot
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1.1 tK* hy BrotK"" ScKenck EdmburgK
William SI Clair of Roslin , ^c. ^c.^c.
Heredilarj Grand Ma^fcr Mason of Scotland 1/36.
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THE
HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY
THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTUND
iriTH CHAPTBKfl OH
THE KNIGHT TEMPLABS, KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN, UAM MASONBT, AND R. A. DEGBEE
TO WHICH 18 ADOBt> AN
APPENDIX OF VALUABLE PAPERS
WILLIAM ALEXANDER LAURIE,
8B0BSTABT TO THE OBAITD LODOB 07 800TLA1TD;
F.SJLR., P.IL8JL, K-CT. F. * ft, * KJJ. ;
By Boyal AppolaiiiMiit BepnMDtetlre ttcm tbe Ontad hodge of Bveden ; and Ute BepreMntatlTe finom th«
" Gnnd OrUnf* of Frukee ; Koaanry Mamber of ths LodgM " BUr-in-Uia-Eut, " OdontU ;
" WUhdm Fnderiek " of tba Netherlands ; '* 83d," Nunor ; " Blaliig Bter," Bombay ;
and of NoiL 1, fl, e, K 44, 48» lOS, 140, 291, »», *e., in Scotiand.
EDINBURGH : SETON & MACKENZIE.
LONDON : R. SPENCER. CALCUTTA : R. C. LEPAGE ft CO.
MDCCCLIX.
[71k« riffht qf Translation U reterved.']
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Alox. Laurie h Co., Printers to Her Majesty.
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TO
THE MOST NOBLE
KNIOHT OF THE MOST ANCIENT ORDER OF THE THISTLE,
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER MASON OF SCOTLAND,
&c. &c. Sic.
THIS WORK
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY AND FRATERNALLY
DEDICATED.
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PREFACE.
The popularity^ of the First Edition of The History op Free
Masonry, published in 1804^ has induced the issue of this — nominally
a Second Edition, though in reality an entirely Nevr Work.
The Works on this subject which have already been given to the
Public are of such a meagre nature as to deter even the most inquisitive
from their perusal, and their authors have discredited an Association
which they designed to honour, by referring its origin to the creation
of the world, and ranking among its Members the most celebrated
Monarchs of the East, without any authority from authentic History.
It is the object, therefore, of the following Work, to divest the history
of Free Masonry of that jargon and mystery in which it has hitherto
been enveloped, and substitute a historical, and consequently a reliable,
account of the nature, origin, and progress of this ancient and jenerable
Institution.
The difficulties which attend such an undertaking can be obvious to
those only who are in some measure acquainted with the subject.
From the very constitution of the Order its origin must be involved
in obscurity; the materials for its history must be scanty in the
extreme ; and those which can be procured are not in themselves
of such an interesting nature as to excite general attention. The
history of an Association, however, which has existed from the
remotest antiquity — ^which has extended to every corner of the globe,
and embraced men of every rank, of every religion, and of every
form of government — cannot fail to be interesting to those who
are accustomed to discover new features of the mind in every human
Institution; — an Institution fonned for the purpose of scientific im-
provement and the exercise of mutual benevolence ; patronising and
executing those magnificent structures which at one time have con-
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PREFACE.
tributed to the utility and ornament of Nations, and at another
to the wonder and admiration of sacceeding ages; — an Institution
sometimes persecuted from the jealousy of power ; frequently
alarmed by the threats of superstition ; often attacked, but never
overthrown.
Part I contains an investigation into the origin of Free Masonry, and
records its gradual development, progress, and subsequent universal
diffusion from that period to the present day. This portion of the
Work, whilst preserving the spirit of the Original Edition, has been
entirely remodelled, the Notes carefully verified, and numerous addi-
tions made thereto. An interesting Chapter on the Knight Templars,
and Knights of St John of Jerusalem, in Scotland, has also been added
to this section, in which will be found some interesting facts hitherto
unnoticed in any former History of these Orders.
Part TI is exclusively devoted to the History of Scottish Masonry
from the institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736 to the
present year. This has been carefully compiled from the Records of
the Grand Lodge, and contains much important information, equally
interesting to the Public in general as well as to the Brethren, as these
Records, though frequently solicited, have never been granted to any one
who has hitherto written upon the subject. Besides a Chapter on Mark
Masonry, with a Sketch of the Ark Mariner and Royal Arch Degrees,
there ha^ been added to this Part — as bearing upon and illustrative of
the Grand Lodge Records — Notes on the Lodges holding of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, arranged under Provinces, giving their dates of
Charter and Colour of Clothing, with their past and present Provincial
Grand Masters.
The Illustrations consist of the Jewels of the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land and the Grand Officers thereof ; a Portrait of St Clair of Rosslyn,
Hereditary Grand Master Mason ; a variety of Masonic Marks (illus-
trative of the History of Mark Masonry) as found in Herculaneum ; in
India ; the Abbeys of Kilwinning, Dryburgh, Melrose, and Aber-
brothock ; the Palace of Holyrood ; the Cathedral of Dunkeld ; the
Collegiate Church of Rosslyn ; as well as in the Minute-Books of the
Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel ; the Lodges Journeymen, Edin-
burgh ; Aitchison's Haven ; and St Ninian, Brechin, ko., &c.
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PREFACE. VU
The Appendix contains a series of nsefnl and interesting Papers^
several of which are now pablished for the first time. Also an Alpha-
betical Table of all the Grand Officers who have been appointed since
the institution of the Grand Lodge^ exhibiting, in a succinct but com-
prehensive manner, their date of Election and period of Office, accom-
panied bj occasional Biographical Notes.
As a Work of this nature would be properly deemed incomplete with-
out a copious Index, this, and an Analytical Table of Contents, Lave
been prepared to facilitate reference.
In conclusion, I have to ofier my warmest thanks to Brother the
Chevalier Burnes, K.H., for his valuable and elaborate Chapter on the
Knight Templars and Knight Hospitallers ; also to Brotlier Andrew
Kerr, F.S.A.S., Past Master of Lodge No. S, for his learned contribu-
tion on Mark Masonry, <bc. ; and to Brother William Ross, also of
Lodge No. 8, for the great zeal and perseverance evinced by him in the
arrangement and progress of this Work.
WM. A. LAURIE.
Edutburgb, June 24, 1869.
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ANALYSIS.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
PAOB
SEPARATION OP PR0PES8I0NS — ^SUPERIORITY OF ARCHITECTURE
DESCRIPTIVE OUTLINE OP FREE MASONRY — OPINIONS RESPECTING
ITS ORIGIN— OBJECTIONS THERKTO ANSWERED.
On the separation of Professions, 1
Superiority of Architectu re as a separate Profession, 2
The Institution of Free Masonry described, 3
Different opinions respecting its origin, 4
It probably originated in Egypt, 6
Its importation into Greece under the form of the Eleusinia
and Dionysia, „ 8
Comparison between the Eleusinia and Free Masonry, 9
Connection between the Eleusinian and Dionysian Mysteries, 12
Institution of the Bacchanalia, 13
On the Dionysian artificers of Asia Minor, 14
Comparison between the Dionysian Fraternity and Free Masonry, 15
The existence of Free Masonry at the building of Soloraon^s Temple
highly probable, 16
Comparison between the Essenes and Free Masons, 17
On the Fraternity of the Kasideans, 19
Comparison between the Pythagorean Fraternity and that of Free
Masons, 20
Connection of the Pythagoreans and Essenes with the Kasideans,
whose office it was to repair the Temple of Jerusalem, 22
Objections of Barruel against the early origin of Free Masonry
answered, 23
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ANALYSIS.
CHAPTER II.
PAQB
PARTIAL EXTINCTION OF SECRET ASSOCIATIONS DURING THE DARK
AGES ^TRAVELLING ARCHITECTS — FREE MASONRY EXTINGUISHED
THROUGHOUT EUROPE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BRITAIN ORIGIN
OF THE KNIGHT TEMPLARS THEIR PERSECUTION — ^THEIR INNO-
CENCE MAINTAINED— CONNECTION BETWEEN CHIVALRY AND FREE
MASONRY INITIATION OP THE TEMPLARS INTO THE SYRIAN
FRATERNITY.
Partial extinction of Secret Associations in Europe daring the
Dark Ages, 26
Travelling Fraternity of Architects during the Dark Ages, 27
Causes of their encouragement, 28
Free Masonry extinguished in every part of Europe, except Britain, ib.
Causes of its continuance there, 29
Origin of the Knight Templars, t6.
They are persecuted by the Pope and the French King, 31
Their barbarous treatment, ib.
Declaration of Molay, 32
The innocence of the Templars maintained against the argu-
ments of Barruel, 33
Impossibility of the public in general ever knowing the Mysteries
of Secret Associations, 38
Connection between Chivalry and Free Masonry, 41
Exemplified in the case of the Templars, 43
The Knight Templars initiated into the Syrian Fraternities, one
of which exists to this day, 44
CHAPTER III.
PROGRESS OP FREE MASONRY IN BRITAIN — INTRODUCED INTO SCOT-
LAND—CAUSES OF ITS DECLINE — HISTORY OF, IN THE REIGN OF
HENRY VI — HISTORY OF, IN SCOTLAND, FROM JAMES I TO VI —
OFFICE OF HEREDITARY GRAND MASTER CONFERRED UPON THE
ST CLAIRS OF ROSLIN — RESIGNATION OF, BY WILLIAM ST CLAIR
IN 1736.
Progress of Free Masonry in Britain, 45
Introduced into Kilwinning in Scotland,^ 46
Time of its introduction into England unknown, ib.
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ANALYSIS.
PAGE
Causes of the decline of Free Masonry in Britain, 47
History of the Fraternity in the Reign of Henry VI, 48
Account of a curious Manuscript, 49
History of Free* Masonry in Scotland from James I to James VI,... 50
Office of Hereditary Grand Master conferred upon the St Clairs of
Roslin, 51
Resignation of that office by William St Clair, in 1736, 54
Grand Lodge of Scotland instituted, ^^
CHAPTER IV.
FREE MASONRY IN ENGLAND DURING THE CIVIL WARS — INTRODUCED
INTO FRANCE INSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGES OF ENGLAND
AND IRELAND RAPID PROGRESS OF THE ORDER — INTRODUCED
INTO INDIA, HOLLAND, RUSSIA, SPAIN, AFRICA, GERMANY, <fcC.
PERSECUTIONS — ORIGIN OF THE M0P8E8 — GRAND LODGES OF DEN-
MARK, SWEDEN, AND PRUSSIA INSTITUTED — THE ILLUMINATI
CONDUCT OF TUB BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO THE FRATERNITY IN
17i)9.
History of Free Masonry in England during the Wars between the
King and Parliament, .*. 55
Fanciful opinions of Dr Robison and Pivati examined, ib.
Proofs, in opposition to Dr Robison, that Free Masonry was intro-
duced into France long before the exile of the Stuart family, 56
Probable time of its introduction, ib.
Causes of the innovations superinduced upon Free Masonry in
France, 58
Causes of its purity in Britain, 59
Grand Lodge of England instituted, 60
History of the Schism in the Grand Lodge of England, by the
secession of what are called the Ancient Masons, ib.
Grand Lodge of Ireland instituted, 61
Rapid progress of Free Masonry, — introduced into India, Holland,
Russia, Africa, Spain, Germany, &c., ib.
Persecution of Free Masons in Holland, in 1735, ib.
Persecutions in France, Germany, and ngain in Holhind, in 1740,... 62
Origin of the Fraternity of the Mopses, 64
Persecution of Free Masons in Switzerland, G5
Cruelty of the Inquisition at Florence, St Sebastian, and Lisbon,
to individuals who were Free Masons, ib.
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xn ANALYSIS.
PAOR
Examples of the active benevolence of Free Masons, 66
Free Masonry introduced into Bohemia; ib.
Free Masons persecuted in Scotland by the Associate Synod^ 67
Free Masonry introduced into Denmark and Sweden, 68
J^rogress of Free Masonry generally, ib.
Grand Lodges established at Berlin and Brunswick, 69
Convention between the Grand Lodges of England and Berlin, ... ib.
Erection of Chari ty Schools by the Continental Lodges, 70
Persecution of Free Masons in Portugal, 71
Progress of Free Masonry in Holland, ib.
Origin and progress of the Illuminati, ib.
Causes and utility of that Institution, 72
State of Free Masonry in Germany, 73
Conduct of the British Government to the Fraternity in 1799, 74
CHAPTER V.
THB KNIGHT TEMPLARS AND KNIGHTS OP ST JOHN IN SCOTLAND—
THB ROYAL ORDER OR HEREDOM DE KILWINNING.
The Knight Templars introduced and established in Scotland by
David I, 75
Th eir general pri vil eges, 76
Priories in Scotland, 77
Their spoliation, ib.
Knights of St John of Jerusalem introduced and located in Scot-
land, 78
Union between the Knight Templars and the Knights of St
John, ib.
Surrender to the Crown of the possessions belonging to the com-
bined Orders, 79
Said possessions conferred on Sir James Sandilands of Torphichen,
Ex-Grand Preceptor, 80
Preceptors of the Order of St John, 81
Lodge of Cross-legged Masons at Stirling, 82
Hants Grades of the Chevalier Ramsay, 83
Templar Regime de la Stricte Observance of the Baron do Hund,... 84
The Order of the Temple almost extinct in Scotland, i6.
Revival thereof, »6.
Charter from the Duke of Kent, 85
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ANALYSIS.
PAGE
Ordre du Templo in France, 86
Abstract of the Statutes thereof, 91
H eredom de Kilw inning, instituted by Robert the Bruce, 93
Established in France, 94
Medal struck in commemoration thereof, ib.
PABT 11.
CHAPTER VI.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM ITS INSTITUTION IN NOVEMBER 1736 TO NOVEMBER 1753.
Introduction, 97
Circular Letter from the Edinburgh Lodges, ib,
List of Lodges composing the first meeting of the Grand Lodge, ... 98
Deed of Resignation by William St Clair, 99
First Grand Election, St Andrew's Day, November 30, 1736, 100
Enactments as to new Constitutions to Daughter Lodges, — the
Charity Fand^«&c., ib.
Proceedings relative to the Royal Infirmary, 101
Day of Grand Election changed, ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the Eastern Wing
of the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, 2d August 1738, 102
First appointment by the Grand Lodge of a Provincial Grand
Master, 104
Proceedings at laying Foundation>stone of the Western Wing of
the Royal Infirmary, 14th May 1740, ib.
Instances of Masonic Benevolence, ib. et seq.
Lodge Mother Kilwinning, complaint from and adjudication thereon, 1 06
The Lodges in Scotland divided into Provinces, and Provincial Grand
Masters appointed thereto, ib. et seq.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the Royal Exchange,
Edinburgh, 13th September 1753, 108
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 112
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XIV ANALYSIS.
CHAPTER VII.
PAGE
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OP SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1753 TO NOVEMBER 1773.
Torcb-light Procession of the Grand Lodge, 116
The Grand Master for the time being to be affiliated into all Lodges
holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, ib.
Daughter Lodges to take precedence in Processions, &c,, according
to seniority, ib,
Foandation-stone of Canongate Poor-house, Edinburgh, laid, 24th
April 1760, 117
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the North Bridge,
Edinburgh, 2lst October 1763, 118
Diplomas first granted, 120
Foundation-stone of Cowgate Chapel, Edinburgh, laid, 3d April
1771, 121
Note regarding said Chape), ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of Ayr Harbour, 22d
September 1772, 122
Resolutions as to fraternal intercourse between the Grand Lodges
of England (old Constitution) and Scotlaml, 124
CHAPTER VIIL
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1773 TO NOVEMBER 1708.
Death of the Grand Master the Duke of Athole, 126
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the High School,
Edinburgh, 24th June 1777, 127
Address delivered on the occasion, 129
Death of William St Clair of Roslin, and Funeral Lodge in memory
of, 131
Funeral Oration by Sir William Forbes, Bart., ib.
The senior member (out of oflice) of Lodge Journeymen, No. 8, to
carry the Mallet at all Processions of the Grand Lodge, 1 37
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the South Bridge,
Edinburgh, 1st August 1785, ib.
The style or title of Grand to be given to none but the Grand
Master Mason of Scotland, 139
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ANALYSIS. XV
PAGE
Correspondence opened between the Grand Lodges of Scotland and
Berlin, 139
FoundationHstone of the Drawbridge at Leith Harbour laid, 2dd
September 1788, 140
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the University of
Edinburgh, 16th November 1789, 141
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 142
Difference of political opinions no bar to Masonic fellowship, 146
Foundation-stone of Edinburgh Bridewell laid, 30th Novemberl791, 147
Address of the Grand Master on the occasion, i6.
Address from the Grand Lodge to His Majesty George III, on his
escape from assassination, 149
On Lord Duncan's victory, 150
CHAPTER IX.
BISTORT AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1798 TO NOVEMBER 1 809.
An Address voted to His Majesty on Rear-Admiral Nelson's
victory at the Nile, 151
Presentation of Books to the Grand Lodge by Brother John Hay,
the Grand Treasurer, i6.
Clauses excepting Free Masons from the operation of the Act for
suppressing seditious Societies, ib.
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge consequent thereon, 152
Memorial and Case for the Lord Advocate Dundas, relative
to the granting of new Charters under the above-named Act, 155
The Lord Advocate's Opinion thereon, 161
Procedure of Grand Lodge relative thereto, ib.
Prohibition by Grand Lodge against Daughter Lodges practising
other than the Three Great Orders of Masonry, 1 62
Address to His Majesty on his second escape from assassination, .. . ib.
Presentation to the Grand Lodge of the Minute-book of a Lodge of
Free Masons held in Rome in 1735, 163
A re-arrangement of Provinces recommended, and Regulations for
the government of Provincial Grand Masters sanctioned, ib.
Foundation-stone of Wet Docks at Leith laid, 14th May 1801, 164
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 165
Sanction of the Grand Lodge given to the publication of 'A His-
tory of Free Masonry,' 166
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XVI ANALYSIS.
PAGB
First Edition of the * Laws and Constitutions of tho Grand Lodge
of Scotland' read and approved of, 167
Foundation-stone of Lesmahagow Church laid, 1 803, ib.
Foundation-stone of Inveresk Church, Musselburgh, laid, 14th Sep<
tember 3803, ib.
Commencement of the union between the Grand Lodges of England
and Scotland, by means of the Earl of Moira, 168
Foundation-stone of High School, Loith, laid, 2Sth March 1804, ... ib.
Presentation to the Grand Lodge of Grand Masters Jewel, 170
Motion regarding the Erection of a Masonic Hall, ih.
Subscriptions thereto, iL
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-Stone of Nelson's Monument
at Glasgow, Ist August 1806, 171
Address by the Provincial Grand Master on the occasion, t6.
Minute of Agreement between the Grand Lodge of Scotland and
the Lodge Mother Kilwinning, 173
Expulsion of Dr John Mitchell and others, 175
Foundation-stone of a new Jail in Edinburgh laid, 18th September
1808, 176
Foundation-stone of a Church at Portobello laid, 27th October 1808, ib.
Lodge Scoon and Perth re-admitted into Grand Lodge, ib.
Presentation to Substitute Grand Master Brother Inglis, 177
Purchase of a Hall, ib.
Foundation-stone of George the Third's Bastion at Leith laid, 25th
October 1809, ib.
Address on the occasion by the Depute Acting Grand Master
the Earl of Moira, 178
Ceremonial observed at the Consecration of the first Free Masons'
Hall of Scotland, 180
CHAPTER X.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1809 TO NOVEMBER 1823.
Publication of * The Grand Lodge Circular ' sanctioned, 183
Deputies appointed to assist in bringing about a union between the
Sister Grand Lodges of England under the respective Grand
Masterships of His Grace the Duke of Atholo and His Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales, 184
Foundation-stone of the Lunatic Asylum, Glasgow, laid, 1810, ... t5.
A Master to possess the right of appointing his own Depute, ib.
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ANALYSIS.
PAGB
A Petition for holding a Lodge on board H.M.'s ship Ardent, refused, 184
Sentence of ezpalsion repealed in so far as it affected Dr MitchelFs
abettors, 185
Union of the two English Grand Lodges, i6.
Lodge Aitchison's Haven to have precedence from 1736, 186
Foandation-stones of Regent Bridge and Calton Jail, Edinburgh,
laid, 19th September 1815, ib.
Tablet in memory of Brother Peter Douglas ordered to be placed in
the Hall of the Lodge Journeymen, 187
An Address voted to the Prince Regent on the marriage of the
Princess Charlotte, 188
Province of Lanarkshire divided into Upper and Middle Wards, ... ib.
The Grand Lodge solicit Brother Inglis to sit for his Portrait^ t6.
Address to the Prince Regent on his escape from assassination, ... ib.
The Free Masons again exempted from the operation of the Act for
the Suppression of Seditious meetings, 189
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge thereupon, ib.
An Address of Condolence voted to the Prince Regent on the death
of the Princess Charlotte, 190
The Grand Chaplain preaches a Sermon to the Brethren on
the occasion, ib.
An Address of Condolence voted to the Prince Regent on the
death of Her Majesty Queen Caroline, ib,
A loyal Address voted to the Prince Regent, 191
Celebration of the Festival of St Andrew dispensed with this year, ib.
Address to His Majesty King George IV on his accession to the
Throne, ib.
Letter from Leonard Homer, minuted, 193
Foundation-stone of Cramond Bridge, near Edinburgh, laid, 30th
May 1822, ib.
Resolutions by the Subscribers to the National Monument of Scot-
land, 194
Address to His Majesty on his visit to Scotland, ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the National Monu-
ment of Scotland, 27th August 1822, 195
Address by the Grand Master on the occasion, 202
Reply by the Duke of Athole, 204
Report of the proceedings as transmitted to the Secretary of
State for the Home Department, 205
Letter of thanks from the Duke of Athole to the Grand
Master, 206
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XVlll ANALYSIS.
CHAPTER XL
PAGB
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM DECEMBER 1, 1823, TO NOVEMBER 1836.
FouDilation-stoDe at Glasgow of a New Approach laid, 30tli April
1824, 207
Festival of St Andrew dispensed with this year, ib.
Foundation-stone of High School, Edinburgh, laid, 28th April 1825, ib.
Province of Renfrew divided into East and West, 208
An Address of Condolence voted to His Majesty on the death of
the Duke of York, ib.
Foundation-stones of Western Approach and George IV Bridge,
Edinburgh, laid, 15th August 1827, ib.
Resolutions adopted by Grand Lodge on the death of Sir John Hay,
Grand Treasurer, 209
Address to His Majesty King William IV on his accession to the
Throne, 210
Letter from Sir Robert Peel regarding His Majesty's accept-
ance thereof, &c., 211
Resolutions adopted by Grand Lodge on the death of Alexander
Laurie, Grand Secretary, ib.
Foundation-stone of a new Masonic Hall for the Lodge ' Union,'
Dunfermline, authorised to be laid, 212
An Address to His Majesty on his escape from assassination, ib.
Foundation-stone of Perth Harbour laid, 9th June 1832, 213
Foundation stone of Dundee Harbour laid, 9th August 1832, ib.
Grand Lodge Visitations, i6.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stones of Lanark County
Buildings and Jail, 2lst March 1834, 214
Address by the Substitute Grand Master, ib.
Ceremony of placing the Key-stone of the Arch of the New Bridge
across the Tweed at Peebles, 15th August 1834, 216
Committee appointed for revision of the Laws and Constitutions,... ib.
Report by said Committee, 217
Sanction given to the New Laws, ib.
Visit to the Theatre by the Grand Lodge, ib.
The Lodge ' Navigation,* transferred from Monkton to Troon, ib.
Congratulatory Address voted to His Royal Highness the Duke of
Sussex, 218
Presentation of copies of the Grand Lodge Laws to the Dukes of
Sussex and Leinster, t6.
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ANALYSIS. XIX
PAGE
Application from, and reply to Lodge St Cuthbert, Barnard Castle,
Durham Militia, relative to its Charter, 218
CHAPTER XII.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OP SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1836 TO NOVEMBER 1843.
James Bumes, K.H., appointed Provincial Grand Master of Western
India and Dependencies, 219
Celebration of the First Centenary of the existence of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, 220
Presentation of one of the Gold Medals struck in commemora-
tion of the Centenary to each of the Grand Masters of
England and Ireland, 221
Representations by Mother Kilwinning Lodge anent Intrant Fees,
and Deliverances thereon, 222
Address to Her Majesty Queen Victoria on her accession to the
Throne, 223
Presentation thereof at Her Majesty's first Levee, by a Deputa-
tion from the Grand Lodge, ih.
The Death of Brother Bartram, Grand Clefk, referred to in Grand
Lodge, lb.
Funeral Lodge in memory of Sir Patrick Walker of Coates, 224
Funeral Oration on the occasion by Brother George Macdonald, ib.
Question by the Lodge Caledonia, Grenada, regarding the ad-
mission of Emancipated Slaves into the Order, and answer
thereto, 227
Verses by Brother Robert Gilfillan, commemorative of St Andrew's
Day, 1837, 228
Interchange of Representatives at Sister Grand Lodges agreed to, 229
A Dispensation to work separately the Mark Mason Degree declined
to be issued, ib.
Death of Sir John Hay, late Substitute Grand Master, referred to in
Grand Lodge, 230
Address of Condolence to Lady Hay, ib,
Fonndation-stone of the Mariners' Church and School, North Leith,
laid, 23d May 1S3D, 231
Note relating to said Church and School, i6.
Precedence of a Past Master, *^.
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Visitations by Grand Lodge, 231
A congratulatory Address voted to Her Majesty npon ber Marriage
with His Royal Higbness Prince Albert, 232
An Address voted to Her Majesty on her escape from assassination, ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foandation -stone of the Scott Monument
at Edinburgh, 15th August 1840, ih.
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 235
A congratulatory Address presented to Her Majesty and Prince
Albert on the birth of the Princess Royal, 238
Death of the Grand Master the Earl of Rothes, t6.
Note regarding, ib.
Proceedings of the Grand Lodge at the first Quarterly Com-
munication thereafter^ 239
Address of Condolence to the Countess of Rothes, ib.
Fonndation-^tone of the Town Hall and Market Place of Kinross
authorised to be laid, 240
Congratulatory Addresses voted to Her Majesty and His Royal
Highness Prince Albert on the birth of the Prince of Wales, ... ib.
On the second escape from assassination of Her Majesty and
His Royal Highness Prince Albert, ib.
Addresses presented to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince
Albert on their first visit to Scotland, ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foiindation-stone of the Victoria (Assem-
bly) Hall, Edinburgh, 3d September 1842, 242
Addresses voted to Her Majesty on the death of the Duke of Sussex,
and on the birth of a Princess, 244
Funeral Lodge in honour of the Duke of Sussex, ih.
Oration pronounced on the occasion by the Rev. John Boyle,... t^.
Address by the Grand Master Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, ... 248
CHAPTER XIIL
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 1843 TO NOTEMBER 1853.
Complaint from * The St John's Lodge of Free Masons, Melrose,'
and reply thereto, 250
Report regarding the connection of Benefit Societies with Masonic
Lodges, ib.
Resolutions by Grand Lodge thereon, 251
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Letter from the Registrar of the Order of the Temple to the Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of ScotUind^ 252
Proceedings at lajiog the Foundation-stone of the Pnblic Baths,
Edinburgh, 29th July 1844, 253
Address delirered on the occasion, 254
Enactments regarding the reception of Lodges visiting a Provinoial
Grand Lodge, but not under its jurisdiction, , . 256
Enactment regarding the Entering, Passing, and Raising of Candi-
dates, , *...... ib.
Sale of Grand Lodge Hall to the Town-Council of Edinburgh, ib.
Arrangement for the appointment of Representatives between the
Grand Lodges of Scotland and Prussia, t6.
Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence established, 257
Rules concerning, ib.
The Lodge Duntocher and Faifley Union allowed to transfer its
Charter from the Province of Dumbarton to that of Glasgow, ... 259
Proceedings at the Inauguration of the Scott Monument and Statue,
15th August 1846, 260
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 262
Representative to Grand Lodge of England appointed, 265
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the Caledonian Rail-
way, 9th April 1847, 9^6
Addresses delivered on the occasion, ; 268
Deliverance by Grand Lodge anent the Installation of Office-
bearers in Daughter Lodges, ,...,...,.. 270
Fees of Charters reduced, ib.
Donation from Lodge Kilwinning-in-the-East, Calcutta, for the
mitigation of the Destitution in the Highlands and Islands of
Scotbnd, , ,...,.,..... 271
Lodge Scoon and Perth, correct appellation thereof to be recognised
in future, , ,. ib>
A Third Edition of the Grand Lodge Laws and Constitutions sanc-
tioned, , 272
Presentation copies thereof ordered, ib.
Interchange of Representatives with the Grand Lodge of Hesse-
Darmstadt agreed to, ib.
Presentation of its Laws to the Grand Lodge, ib.
Visitation by Grand Lodge, ib.
Foundation-stone of Sessional School, Canongate, laid, 26th Sep»
tember 1848, ib'
Presentations to Grand Lodge of two Swedish Masonic Medals, ... 273
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Death of Brother William Campbell^ President of Grand Stewards,
referred to in Grand Lodge, 273
Inangnration, at Dunfermline, of the Statue of the Rev. Ralph
Erskine, 274
Fonndation-stone of the Barony Parish Poors* House authorised to
belaid, ib.
Adhesion of the Lodge of Glasgow St John received) ib.
Note regarding, ib.
Presentation to the Grand Lodge of the Masonic Library of the late
Dr Charles Morison, i6.
Letter of Presentation from Mrs Morison, ib.
Reply thereto, 275
Notes relative to Library and Dr Morison, ib.
Installation of Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire, Upper
Ward, 276
Purchase by Grand Lodge of a copy of ihe Portrait of William St
Clair of Rosslin, ih.
The Grand Lodge patronises the Theatre-Royal 277, 280
Enactments regarding the Representation of Daughter Lodges, 277
Ditto regarding the unwarranted Lodge at Amsterdam, ib.
Representatives exchanged with the Grand Orient of the Nether-
lands, 278
Fraternal communications established with the Swiss Grand Lodge
Alpina, ib.
Presents to Grand Lodge, ib.
Prohibition relative to Masonic Clubs, i6.
The rank of Honorary Members instituted, 279
Biographical Sketch of Robert Gilfillan, late Grand Bard, ib.
First Masonic Ball in Edinburgh, 280
Grand Visitation, ib.
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge,
Glasgow, 9th April 1851, 281
Addresses delivered on the occasion, 285
Present to the Grand Master commemorative of the event, ... 287
Representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland appointed, 289
Proceedings relati ve to Marshal Soult's Diploma, ih.
Grand Visitation to Ayrshire Province, ib.
Regulations anent laying Foundation-stones promulgated, 290
Letter from the Representative of the Grand Lodge at the Grand
Orient of the Netherlands, ib.
Foundation-stone commemorative of renewal of the Old Parish
Church at Dalkeith, laid, 29th Angust 1851, 291
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Letter from the Kiog of Norway and Sweden^ 291
iDstractioD to all Brethren present at Initiations, 292
Confirmation of Minutes, meaning thereof, ib.
Grand Visitation to Lodges St Clair and Roman Eagle, Edinburgh, t&.
Ditto to Aberdeen City Province, 293
Ditto to the Provinces of East and West Perthshire, ... ib.
Foundation-stone of a new Bank at Lochmaben, laid, 28th April
1852, 294
Letter from Prince Frederic of the Netherlands, ib.
Report regarding the function and status of Provincial Grand
Lodges, ib.
Proceedings at the Inauguration of the Wellington Equestrian
Statue, Edinburgh, 18th June 1852, 295
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone of the Dundee Royal
Infirmary, 22d July 1852, 298
Representative to Grand Lodge of England appointed, 299
Interchange and appointment of Representatives between the Grand
Lodges of Sweden and Hamburg, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, ib.
The deaths of the Provincial Grand Masters of Forfarshire and
Dumfries referred to in Grand Lodge, ib.
Fees of Grand Lodge Diplomas reduced, 300
Death of Brother John Tinsley , Grand Marshal, referred to, ib.
Foundation-stone of an Asylum for Defective Children at Baldovan,
laid, 7th July 1853, ib.
Installation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland's Representative at
Hamburgh notified, ib.
The Lodge Kilwinning-in-the-East to be henceforth designated St
David-in-the-East, ib.
Canada divided into Upper and Lower, 301
The Lodge St John, Woodhall, receives an extension of Jurisdiction, ib.
Foundation-stone of the first of a range of Villas at Rosebank, laid,
1st October 1853, , ih.
CHAPTER XIV.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND
FROM NOVEMBER 30, 1853, TO LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION-STONE
OF THE NEW MASONIC HALL ON SUMMER ST JOHN's DAY 1 858.
Recommendation as to an uniform S3r8tem of Books in Daughter
Lodges, » 302
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Foandation-stone of a New Town Hall at Stow^ laid, 21st Febraary
1854, 302
A Certified Copy of the Charter to the Lodge St John, Greytown,
Mosquito, ordered, 303
Death of Brother Donald Ross, Grand Tyler, referred to in Grand
Lodge t6.
Grand Faneral Lodge in hononr of the late Lord Frederick Fitz-
Clarence, Past Grand Master of Scotland, ib.
Oration pronoanced on the occasion, ib.
Address by the Depute Grand Master, 310
Address of Condolence to Lady Frederick Fitz-CIarence, 311
Extract from her ladyship's reply, 312
An expression of sympathy with Brother Hector Gavin, recorded, t6.
A cast, containing Masonic Marks taken from Glasgow Cathedral,
temp. 1556, exhibited in Grand Lodge, t6.
Delegates appointed to represent the Grand Lodge at the Centen-
nial Anniversary of the Lodge St Andrew, Boston, Mass., ib.
Representatives from and to the Grand Orient of France, and Grand
Lodge of Prussia, appointed, 313
Morison Library patent to all Members of the Grand Lodge, and
also to all Master Masons upon recommendation, ib.
Presents to Grand Lodge, t6.
Resolutions adopted on the death of Brother James Linning Wood-
man, Grand Clerk, ib.
A Declaration of Independence, and intimation of the Erection of a
new Grand Lodge in Canada, presented to Grand Lodge, 314
Procedure thereon, ib.
Grand Visitation to Lodge St Stephen, Edinburgh, 315
Contribution voted to the Relief of those Brethren who had suffered
from the Inundations in France, ib.
A renewed application from Mother Kilwinning anent Intrant Fees
disallowed, • t6.
The Brethren belonging to the Lodges ' Concordia Uuiversel * and
' Estrella Polar,' Peru, disowned by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, ib.
Address of Congratulation to the Queen on the Marriage of Her
Royal Highness the Princess Royal, 316
Address to their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess Frederick
William of Prussia, 317
Presentation of the same, with a copy of the Laws and Consti-
tutions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, inscribed to His
Royal Highness, 318
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Preliminaries relative to the Building of a New Free Masons* Hall
of Scotland, 318
Proceedings previoas to laying the Foundationnatone thereof, 319
Sermon preached on the occasion by the Key. Dr Amot, Grand
Chaplain, 323
Address delivered by the Rev. Andrew R. Bonar, 331
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone thereof, on Summer
St John's Day, 1858, 332
Address by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, 333
The ' Blue Blanket' carried by the Lodge Journeymen, 334
Description of the Hall, 336
Inscription Plate, ib.
Grand Banquet in honour of the event, 337
Speeches thereat, 338
Ball Commemomtive of the occasion, 344
CHAPTER XV.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE, FROM THE
QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION ON 2d AUGUST 1 858 TO THE CONSE-
CRATION AND OPENING OF THE FREE MASONS* HALL OF SCOTLAND,
ON 24Tn FEBRUARY 18.'>9.
Extract Minute from Grand Lodge of Ireland, 345
Sanction of Grand Lodge to the Draft of a Ceremonial for conse-
crating and erecting new Lodges, and installing the Office-
bearers thereof, ^ ib.
.Election of a Grand Clothier, ib.
Resolution regarding the authorization letters from Grand Lodges
of England and Ireland, ib.
Besignations of the Provincial Grand Masters of Linlithgow and
Upper Canada, 346
Donation to Grand Lodge Building Fund by Lodge Celtic, Edin-
bargh and Leith, ib.
Matters relative to Grand Lodge of Ireland and Lodge St George
Bermuda remitted to a Committee, ib.
Brother John Ormiston appointed to consecrate Lodge St Andrew,
Drybridge, ib.
Brother Chevalier de Saulcy appointed Representative from Grand
Lodge of Scotland to Grand Orient of France, t'6.
Deliverances of the Grand Lodge relative to Mark Masonry,... 347, 351
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XXVI ANALYSIS.
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Election of Grand Stewards for 1858-59, 347
Grand ElectioD, St Andrew's Day, 1858, 348
Honorary and Representative Members of Grand Lodge, 349
Celebration of the Festival of St Andrew, ih.
Election of Grand Committee, 1859-60, 350
Several Lodges reponed, &c., 351
Proceedings observed at the Consecration and Inaugnration of the
Free Masons' Hall of Scotland, ih.
Oration pronoanced on the occasion, 352
Addresses, 355, 357
Banquet in honour of the event, 359
Progress and Position of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 360
CHAPTER XVL
NOTES ON THE PROVINCES AND DAUGHTER LODGES THEREIN — LIST
OF LODGES ARRANGED IN PROVINCES, WITH DATES OF CHARTERS
AND COLOURS OF CLOTHING PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS — FREE
MASONRT AND LODGES ABROAD.
Introduction, 361
Edinburgh or Metropolitan District, 862
Ayr Province, 365
Perth (East) Province, 367
Glasgow Province, 369
Inverness Province, 373
Lanark (Middle Ward) Province, 374
Perth (West) Province, 375
East Lothian Province, ib.
Renfrew (West) Province, 376
Linlithgow Province,.... 377
Forfar and Angus Province, ib.
Dumbarton Province, 379
Fife Province, ib,
Lanark (Upper Ward) Province, 382
Berwick and Roxburgh Province, 383
Peebles and Selkirk Province, 384
Stirling Province, 385
Aberdeen (City) Province, 386
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Elgin and Moray Province, 387
Orkney and Zetland Province, 388
Wigton and Kirkcudbright Province, 389
Province of Argyle and the Isles, ib»
Damfries Province, 390
Aberdeen (East) Province, 391
Ross and Cromarty Province, 392
Renfrew (East) Province, ih,
Banff Province, 393
Aberdeen (West) Province, 394
Caithness Province, i6.
Lodges Abroad : —
Province of Eastern Indian-
Bengal Presidency, 395
Province of Western India —
Bombay, i6.
Arabia, ib.
Jamaica Province, 403
Bermudas Province, t6.
Bahama Islands Province, ib.
West India Islands Province, 404
America : —
Canada, West or Upper, ih,
Canada, East or Lower, ib.
Province of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward
Island, ;.. 405
Province of Gnayana in Venezuela, 406
Province of Australia Felix or Victoria, ib.
Province of South Australia, Adelaide, ,. ib.
Province of New South Wales, 407
Military Lodges, ib.
Notes relative to Scottish Masonry in
New Zealand, 408
Parts of Europe and Asia bordering on the Mediterranean Sea,... ib,
France ib.
Andalusia — Spain, ib.
Lodges formerly existing furth of Scotland, ib.
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CHAPTER XVIi.
PAOB
HARK MASONRY— CHAIR OR PAST MASTER, AND DEGREES OF ARK
MARINER AND ROYAL ARCH.
Craft Masonry defined, 409
Classification of Workmen, ih.
Duties of Master Mason, Wardens, Mark Oterseer, and Fellow-
Crafts, : 410
Mason Marks of three kinds, and their use, ib.
Their antiquity, 411
System on which they werehased, t6.
' Reading the Marks,' illustrated, 412
Acquirements necessary for the Memhers of the three respective
Degrees of Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master, ib,
t^unishmen t of Offences, i6.
Initiation and Legend of the Mark Overseer, 413
The Marks, as used in Scotland, ib.
The method adopted in setting out the Orientation of Churches, as
preserved in some of the Scotch Operative Lodges, 414
Apprentices bound to the Operative Lodges, 415
Other Crafts embraced under the designation of the Masonic Fra-
ternity, ib.
Their uniformity of design and style of Workmanship, ib.
Illustration thereof, by a Plan and Section of St Margaret's
Well, Restalrig, near Edinburgh, 416
History of the Masonic Fraternity as found in its Traditions, .. ib.
As established in its Buildings, < 417
As noticed incidentally in Historical Works, ib.
The earliest indication of the existence of said Fraternity in
Scotland is from the Masonic Marks upon Ancient Buildings, 419
Antiquity of the Lodge of Glasgow St John, ib,
of th 6 Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, ib.
Influence of Mother Kilwinning Lodge, 420
Records and Traditions of the old Lodges in Scotland, t^.
Assemblies of Masons frequently convened at Holyrood House,
Edinburgh, , 421
Copy of a Grant by King James VI in favour of Patrick Coipland
of Udaucht of the Office of Wardenrie over the Masons in the
Shires of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine, *^«
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ANALYSIS. XXIX
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Operative and Specalatire Masonry, 422
Position of the Mark Master's Degree in Rojal Arch Chapters, .... ib.
Said position in St John's Masonrj, as defined by the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, 423
Enumeration of Bnildings on which Mason Marks are to be found, t6.
Chair or Past Master Degree, 424
Form of Initiation, ib.
Ark Mariner Degree, ib.
Definition of the Royal Arch Degree, 425
Its supposed early origin examined, ib.
Period of its real origin, 426
Lodge Ancient Stirling, and probable date assignable to the two
brass plates in its possession, 429
Antiquity of the Stirling Boyal Arch Chapter, ib.
Formation of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, ib.
Nature and object of Royal Arch Masonry, 430
Traditionary narrative of the period and circumstances under which
the Royal Arch Degree is said to have originated, ib.
APPENDIX.
lUTiote marked tliut * amtmn, in the form ofiNdet, an epUome <jf the
Laws rdaiing to the subjects en which they ireai.}
I. — Charter granted by the Masons of Scotland to Wil-
liam St Clair of Roslin, 435
II. — Charter granted by the Masons of Scotland to Sir
William St Clair, 437
III. — Statutis and Ordinanceis promulgated at Halyrude-
house, Edinburgh, the xxviij day of December in the
zeir of God I™ V® four scoir auchtene zeiris, 441
IV. — AcTis and StattjtIs for the government of the several
• Airtis and Craftis ' in the Kingdom of Scotland, 1636, 445
V, — Minutes accepting and approving of the preceding Aotis, 451
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Ti. — ^Charter of Transmission — Order of The Temple, 453
Tii. — Ane Narration of the Founding of the Craft of
Masonry, and by whom it hath been cherished, 457
Tin. — Form of Petition for a New Lodge, , 465
IX.— Charter of Constitution and Erection, 466
X. — Ceremonial at Consecrating a New Lodge, or a Lodge
Room only, or both ; and also at the usaal Installa-
tion of Office-bearers of a Lodge, 469
XI. — Affirmation by Subordinate Lodges, 483
* XII. — Annual Certificate, 484
•xiii. — Certificate to be granted by Subordinate Lodges to
their Members, 485
* XIV. — Proxy Commission by Lodges Abroad, or in the Pro-
vinces, 486
XV. — Commission to a Provincial Grand Master, 487
XVI. — Regulations and Instructions for the government of
Provincial Grand Masters, 489
XVII. — Form of Commission by a Provincial Grand Master, 492
* xvin. — Commission in favour of a Representative to a Sister
Grand Lodge, 493
XIX. — Regulations to be observed at laying Foundation-
stones, 494
XX. — Order of Procession and Ceremonial to be observed at
laying a Foundation-stone, 495
• XXI. — Petition for Relief from the Fund of Scottish Masonic
Benevolence by a Member of the Craft, 499
XXII. — Petition for Relief to the foresaid Fund by the Widow
or Child of a deceased Free Mason, 501
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▲KALY610. XXZl
xxiiL — Description of tbe Clothing and Jewels of The Grand.
Lodge of Scotland^ 502
xxiv. — Alphabetical Table of Grand Office-bearers in the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, from tbe first Election on
St Andrew's Day 1736 to St Andrew's Day 1858, in-
clusive, 505
XXV, — Letter from His Royal Highness the Prince Frederick
William of Prussia to the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master, 518
INDEX, 521
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Portrait of William St Clair of Roslin, Hereditary Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, 1736, to face Illustrated Title-Page.
Illustrated Titlb-Page.
Portrait of Jacques de Molay, elected Grand Master of the Order
of the Temple 1295, immolated at Paris in 1313, 32
Sketch of an Hospitaller^ with the Ruins of the Preceptory of
Torpbichen, and the ancient Chapel at Temple, 4 80
Interior of The Free Masons' Hall of Scotland, 336
Drawings of Mason Marks, 424
Plate 1— Contains Marks from a Chamber in the Great
Pyramid, Gizeh, Egypt ; from Hercnlaneum ;
the Cathedral of Strasburg, France j the Cathe-
dral of Presburg, Hungary; Fumess Abbey,
England ; Youghal, Ireland ; Holyrood Chapel,
Edinburgh, 1128, 1180; Holyrood Palace
Tower, 1520 ; Crown Room, Edinburgh Castle,
1600.
Plate 2 — Contains Marks from Roslin Cliapel, 1446 ; Dun-
keld Cathedral, 1127; Melrose Abbey, 1400;
Glasgow Cathedral, 1200.
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XXXll ANALYSIS.
PAOS
Drawings of Masom Marks, 424
Plate 3 — Contains Marks from Inckcolme Abbey ; Lin-
lithgow Palace; Palm Hoase, Royal Botanic
Gardens, Edinburgb, 1856; Temple of Allaha-
bad, India, 1583 ; Round and Square Towers,
Brechin Cathedral, and Melgund Castle.
Plate 4 — Contains Marks from the Books of the Lodges
St Ninian, Brechin, and Journeymen, Edin-
burgh, and Mason Mark of Robert Bums, in-
scribed upon the Bible presented by him to
' Highland Mary.'
Clothing and Jewels of The Grand Lodge of Scotland, yiz. : —
1. Jewel and Ribbon of the Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
2. Jewel and Ribbon of the Past Grand Master.
3. Apron of the Grand MaBtex>— Jewel of the Depute Grand
Master.
4. Jewels of the Substitute Grand Master, and of the Senior
and Junior Grand Wardens.
5. Jewels of the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and
Grand Clerk.
6. Jewels of the Grand Chaplain, and of the Senior and Junior
Grand Deacons.
7. Jewels of the Grand Architect, Grand Jeweller, and Grand
Bible-Bearer.
8. Jewels of the Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand- Bard,
and Grand Sword-Bearer.
9. Jewels, of the Grand Director of Music, Grand Marshal,
and Grand Tyler, — of a Provincial Grand Master, and of
the President of the Board of Grand Stewards.
10. One of the Silver Vases for Wine and Oil, used at Masonic
Ceremonials.
WOODCUTS.
Plan and Section of St Margaret's Well, Restalrig, near Edin-
burgh, 416
Facsimile Signature of William Schaw, Maister of Wark, 1598... 444
Facsimile Mason Marks, as appended to a Minute in Lodge Book
of ' Atchiesons Heavin,' 1637, 451
Heraldic Bearing of the Order of The Temple, 453
Seal of said Order, 456
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ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.
Quarterly Communication^ 2d May 1859. — A Memorial from the
Brethren of the Lodge Elgin, Montreal, praying the Grand Lodge to
sanction their holding Masonic intercoarse with the new Grand Lodge of
Canada, which was now acknowledged bj both the Grand Lodges of
England and Ireland, was laid on the table, — and the Grand Lodge haying
fnllj considered the statements contained in said Memorial, nnanimousl j
resolved to authorise the Lodge Elgin, and the other Daaghter Lodges
in Canada, to hold the desired intercoarse with the new Grand Lodge
of that country. The Grand Lodge farther resolved to acknowledge
the Grand Lodge of Canada as a duly constituted and authorised Sister
Grand Lodge.
iThefcilomng dUeratioM in Ihe arrangement of the Appendices were found, when the
$heeta wen passing through the Press, to be more conducive to the utility of the Work
than that at first contemplated. Hie corrections upon the Lodges are necessitated hy
those which were among lodges vormbrlt bxistino when the fleets were printed, hash-
ing since been reponed on payment of their Arrears ; and <u these are brought down
to the present date, (Summer St John's Day, 1869, j the Brethren have thus the latest
and the most accurate information upon this head that the nature of the subject triU
<idmit of. 2
P. 53, For Appendix vi, read Appendix iii.
— 53, For Chapter vii, (in Note,) read Chapter vi.
— 1 00, For Chapter xiv, read Appendix xxiv.
— 126, Fo7* 1816 (in Note,) read 27th December 1813.
— 163, For Appendix iv, 7*ead Appendix xvi.
— 259, Delete Appendix xxiv, the information there referred to being
given in the body of the Work.
— 290, For Appendix xxiii, read Appendix xix.
— 321, In the list of Lodges, place as No. 169, "Thistle and Rose,
Stevenston ; " and, consequently, for one hundred and thirty-one
Lodges, on 2d line of p. 335, read one hundred and thirty-two.
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XXXIV ADDENDA BT CORRIGENDA.
P. 362y To the Lodges in the Edinhargh or Metropolitan District add
'' No. 392, Caleddnian, Edinhurgh."
— ZQ^, Delete from among Lodges formerly existing ** Mayhole," '' St
Thomas, Mairkirk," and " St Clement, Riccarton," and place
the same among the existing Lodges in Ayrshire Province,
p. 365.
— 367, Delete from among Lodges formerly existing " St John, Blair-
gowrie, Coupar- Angus," and place the same among the exist-
ing Lodges on same page.
-— 380, Delete from among Lodges formerly exiting " Tay Union,
Ferry-Port-on-Craig," and place among the existing Lodges
in Fifeshire Province. By sanction of the Grand Lodge, and
with the concurrence of the Provincial Grand Master, its place
of meeting was transferred to Newport at the Quarterly
Communication on 2d May 1859.
— 383, Delete from among Lodges formerly existing " St John, Jed-
burgh,** and place among the existing Lodges in Berwick and
Roxburgh Province.
— 392, Delete from among Lodges formerly existing " St Winnock,
Garthland," and place among the existing Lodges in Renfrew
(East) Province, on same page.
— 407| Brother Robert Campbell, Provincial Grand Master and Colonial
Treasurer of New South Wales, died on 30th March last.
His Funeral — a Public one — was attended by nearly 1,000 of
the Brethren ; — Brother J. Macfarlane, the Provincial Grand
Secretary, acting as Provincial Grand Master.
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PART I.
HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
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THE
HISTOEY OF FEEE MASONET.
CHAPTER L
SEPARATION OF PROFESSIONS — SUPERIORITY OF ARCHITECTITRE —
DESCRIPTIVE OUTLINE OF FREE MASONRY— OPINIONS RESPECTING ITS
ORIGIN — OBJECTIONS THERETO ANSWERED.
When men are in a state of barbarity, and are scattered over the
surface of a Country in small and independent tribes, their wants are as
small in magnitude as they are few in number. It is in the power
therefore of every individual to perform for himself and his family every
work of labour which necessity or comfort requires ; and while at one
time he equips bimself for the chase or the combat^ at another he is
rearing a habitation for his offspring, or hollowing his canoe to surmount
the dangers of the sea. But as soon as these tribes associate together
for the purposes of mutual protection and comfort, civilization advances
apace ;* and, in the same proportion, the wants and desires of the com-
munity increase. In order to gratify these, the ingenuity of individuals
is called forth ; and those who, from inability or indolence, cannot
satisfy their own wants, will immediately resort to the superior skill
of their neighbours. Those members of the community who can execute
their work with the greatest elegance and celerity will be most
frequently employed ; and from this circumstance, combined with the
principle of emulation, and other causes, that distinction of professions
will arise which is found only among Nations considerably advanced
in civilization and refinement.
One of the first objects of man in a rude state is to screen himself
and his family from the heat of the tropical sun, from the inclemency
1
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of the polar regions, or from the sudden changes of more temperate
climates. If he has arrived at such a degree of improvement as to
]ive under the dominion of a superior, and under the influence of
religious belief, the palace of his king and the temple of his gods will
be reared in the most magnificent style which his skill can detise and
his industry accomplish, and decked with those false ornaments which
naturally catch the eye of unpolished men. From that principle which
impels the lower orders to imitate the magnificence and splendour of
their superiors, a foundation will be laid for improvement in the art of
building ; and it is extremely probable, from the circumstances which
have been mentioned, as well as from others which the slightest reflection
will suggest, that architecture will be the first profession to which men
will exclusively devote their attention, and for which they will be trained
by an established course of preparatory education.
Nor is it from this ground only that masonry derives its superiority
as a separate profession. While many other arts administer to our luxury
and pride, and gratify only those temporary wants and unnatural desires
which refinement has rendered necessary, the art of building can lay
claim to a higher object. The undertakings of the architect not only
furnish us with elegant and comfortable accommodation from the incle-
mency of the seasons, from the rapacity of wild beasts, and the no
less dangerous hostility of man, but they contribute also to the ornament
and glory of Nations, and it is to them that we are indebted for those
fortresses of strength which defend us from the inroads of surrounding
enemies. Nor can the works of the architect be ranked among those
objects which merely furnish amusement and accommodation for a few
years, or at most during the short term of human life ; they descend un-
impaired from generation to generation ; they acquire additional grandeur
and value from an increase of age ; and are the only specimens of
human labour which in some measure survive the revolutions of king-
doms and the waste of time. The splendid remains of Egyptian,
Grecian, and Roman architecture, which in every age have attracted
the attention of the learne<i and excited the astonishment of the vulgar,
are standing monuments of his ingenuity and power ; and in ages yet
to come they will reflect a dignity on the art of building to which no
other profession can arrogate the slightest claim.
But there is still another consideration which entitles architecture
to a decided pre-eminence among the other arts. It is itself the parent
of many separate professions, and requires a combination of talents
and an extent of knowledge for which other professions have not the
smallest occasion. An acquaintance with the sciences of geometry and
mt*chanical philosophy, with the arts of sculpture and design, and other
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abstrose and elegant branches of knowledge, are indispensable requisites
in the education of an architect^ and raise his art to a vast height above
those professions which practice alone can render familiar, and which
consist in the mere exertion of muscular force. It appears then, from
these considerations, that there is some foundation in the yeiy nature of
architecture for those extraordinary privileges to which Masons have
always laid claim, and which they have almost always possessed —
privileges which no other artists could have confidence to ask, or
liberty to enjoy; and there appears to be some foundation for that
ancient and respectable order of Free Masons, whose origin we are now
to investigate, and whose progress we are about to detail.
But, that we may be enabled to discover Free Masonry under those
various forms which it has assumed in different countries and at different
times before it received the name which it now bears, it will be neces-
saiy to give a short description of the nature of this institution, without
developing those mysteries or revealing those ceremonial observances
which are known only to the Brethren of the Order.
Free Masonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embradng
individuals of every nation, of every religion, and of every condition in
life. Wealth, power, and talents, are not necessary to the person of a
Free Mason. An unblemished character and a virtuous conduct are the
only qualifications which are requisite for admission into the Order.
In order to confirm this institution, and attun the ends for which
it was originally formed, every candidate must come under a solemn
engagement never to divulge the mysteries and ceremonies of the
Order, nor communicate to the uninitiated those important precepts
with which he may be intrusted, and those proceedings and plans in
which the Fraternity may be engaged. After he has undergone the
necessary ceremonies, and received the usual instructions, appropriate
words and significant signs are imparted to him, that he may be enabled
to distinguish his Brethren of the Order from the uninitiated public,
and convince others that he is entitled to the privileges of a Brother
should he be visited by distress or want in a distant land* If the newly
admitted member should be found qualified for a higher degree, he is
promoted after due intervals of probation, till he has received that
Masonic knowledge which enables him to hold the highest offices of
trust to which the Fraternity can raise its members. In all ages it has
been the object of Free Masonry not only to inform the minds of its
members by instructing them in the sciences and useful arts, but to
better their hearts by enforcing the precepts of religion and morality.
In the course of the ceremonies of initiation, brotherly love, loyalty,
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THE HISTORY OP PREE MASONRY.
and oilier virtues are inculcated in hieroglyphic symbols ; and the
candidate is often reminded that there is an eye abore which observeth
the workings of his hearty and is ever fixed upon the thoughts and
the actions of men. At regular and appointed seasons con yi vial meet-
ings of the Fraternity are held, where temperance, harmony, and joy,
characterise these mixed assemblies. All distinctions of rank seem to
be laid aside, all differences in religious and political sentiments are
forgotten, and those petty quarrels which disturb the quiet of private
life cease to agitate the mind; every one strives to give happiness to his
brother ; and men seem to recollect for once that they are sprung from
the same origin, that they are possessed of the same nature, and are
destined for the same end.
Such are the general features of an institution which has of late pro-
duced so great a division in the sentiments of the learned respecting its
origin and tendency. While a certain class of men,^ a little over-
anxious for the dignity of their Order, have represented it as coeval
with the world ; others, influenced by an opposite motive, have main-
tained it to be the invention of English Jesuits, to promote the views of
that intriguing and dangerous association. ' Some philosophers, among
whom we may reckon the celebrated Chevalier Ramsay, have laboured
to prove that Free Masonry arose during the Crusades ; that it was a
secondary order of chivalry; that its forms originated from that warlike
institution, and were adapted to the peaceful habits of scientific men.'
Mr Clinch^ has attempted, with considerable ingenuity and learning, to
deduce its origin from the institution of Pythagoras. M. Barruel" sup-
poses that it is a continuation of the Templars ; while others, with a
degree of audacity and malice rarely to be found in the character of
ingenuous men, have imputed the origin of Free Masonry to secret asso*
ciations adverse to the interests of true government, and pursuing the
villanous and chimerical project of levelling the distinctions of society,
and freeing the human mind from the sacred obligations of morality
and religion.
Without adopting any of these untenable opinions, or attempting to
discover the precise period when Free Masonry arose, it may be sufficient
to show that it can justly lay claim to an early origin, and that it has
^ Anderson's History and Constitution of Free Masonry, p. 1. Desai^lier's
Constitutions, p. 1, Smith's Use and Abuse of Free Masonry, p. 27. Preston's
Illustrations of Masonry, sec. 3, p. 6.
> Manuscript of Bode of Germany, in the possession of M. Mounier.
' Ley den's Preliminary Dissertation to the Complaynt of Scotland, pp. 67, 71.
* Anthologia Hibemica for January, March, April, and June, 1794.
' Memoirs of Jacobinism, vol. ii, pp. 377, 378, &c.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
existed from that period to the present day, under different forms and
different appellations/ In the execution of this task the candid in-
quirer will be satisfied with strong and numerous resemblances, as the
nature of the subject excludes the possibility of rigid demonstration.
Every human institution is subject to great and numerous yariations ;
the different aspects under which they appear^ and the principles by
which tlley are regulated, depend upon the progress of civilization; upon
the nature of the government by which they are protected, and on the
peculiar opinions and habits of their members. If, therefore, in com-
paring Free Masonry with other ancient associations, we should find it
coincide with them in every circumstance, there would be strong reasons
for suspecting that the imagination of the writer had counterfeited
resemblances when destitute of authentic information, or that the
Order had adopted the rites and ceremonies of antiquity to cloak the
recency of their origin, and command the veneration and excite the
notice of the public. Against Free Masonry, however, this charge can-
not be preferred. We shall have occasion to consider it when connected
with the idolatry of the Heathens ; when devoted to the Church of
Rome; and when flourishing under the milder influence of the Reformed
Religion.
As men in the early oges of society were destitute of those methods
of diffusing knowledge which we now enjoy, and even of those which
were used in Greece and Rome when the art of printing was unknown,
the few discoveries in art and science which were then made must have
been confined to a small number of individuals. In these ages the
^ M. Mounier observes, that if the Order of Free Masons existed among the
Ancieuts it would have been mentioned by contemporary authors. This
argument, however, for the recency of their origin, is far from being conclusive.
A secret association, unconnected with National affairs, would seldom come
under the consideration of contemporary writers, who could only tell their
readers that such an association existed. They who believe that the Eleusiniaa
mysteries were those of Free Masonry under a different appellation will deny
the premises from which Mounier's conclusion is drawn. These mysteries
existed in the eighth century of the Christian era, and have been mentioned
by contemporary authors on account of tlieir connection with the history of
the times and the religion of their country. From the eighth century to the
revival of learning in Europe, Free Masonry must have been in a very languish-
ing condition, and could not engage the attention of writers when but few
Lodges, and still fewer authors existed. The minds of men were then bent upon
less noble pursuits. Science and common sense were nowhere to be found ; and
those amiable propensities of the heart ,upon which Free Masonry is founded,
were smothered under that debasing superstition which characterised those
ages of ignorance and iniquity.
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TBB HlfiTOBY OF FREE MASONRY.
panait of science must have been a secondary consideration, and those
who did venture to explore the untrodden regions of knowledge would
overlook those unsubstantial speculations which gratify the curiosity of
philosophic men, and would fix their attention on those only which
terminate in public utility and administer to the necessities of life. As
architecture could only be preceded by agriculture itself, it must have
been in this science that the first efforts of human skill were tried, and
in which man must have first experienced success in extending his
dominion over the works of nature. The first architects, therefore,
would be philosophers. They alone required the assistance of art, and
they alone would endeavour to obtain it. The information which was
acquired individually, would be imparted to others of the same profession ;
an association would be formed for the mutual communication of know-
ledge, and the mutual improvement of its members. In order to pre-
serve among themselves that information which they alone collected ;
in order to incite amongst others a higher degree of respect for their
profession, and prevent the intrusion of those who were ignorant of
architecture, and consequently could not promote the object of the
institution, appropriate words and signs would be communicated to its
members ; significant ceremonies would be performed at their initiation,
that their engagement to secrecy might be impressed upon their minds,
and greater regard excited for the information they were to receive.
Nor is this mere speculation ; there exist at this day, in the deserts of
Egypt, such architectural monuments as must have been reared in
those early ages wliich precede the records of authentic history ; and
the erection of those stupendous fabrics must have required an acquaint-
ance with the mechanical arts which is not in the possession of modem
architects. It is an undoubted fact also^ that there existed in these
days a particular association of men to whom scientific knowledge was
confined, and who resembled the Society of Free Masons in every thing
but the name.
In Egypt, and those countries of Asia which lie contiguous to that
favoured kingdom, the arts and sciences were cultivated with success
while other Nations were involved in ignorance : It is here, therefore,
that Free Masonry would flourish, and here only can we discover marks
of its existence in the remotest ages. It is extremely probable that the
first, and the only object of the Society of Masons was the mutual com-
munication of knowledge connected with their profession ; and that
those only would gain admittance into their Order whose labours were
subsidiary to those of the architect. But when the ambition or vanity
of the Egyptian priests prompted them to erect huge and expensive
fabrics for celebrating the worship of their gods or perpetuating the
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
memory of their kiDgs, they would naturally desire to participate in
that scientific knowledge which was possessed by the architects they
employed ; and as the sacerdotal order seldom £ELil among a superstitious
people to gain the objects of their ambition, they would in this case suc-
ceed in their attempts, and be initiated into the mysteries, as well as
instructed in the science of Free Masons. These remarks will not only
assist us in discovering the source from which the Egyptian priests
derived that knowledge for which they have been so highly celebrated ;
they will aid us also in accounting for those changes which were super-
induced on the forms of Free Masonry, and for the admission of men
into the Order whose professions had no connection with the royal art.
When the Egyptian priests had in this manner procured admission
into the Fraternity, they connected the mythology of their country
and their metaphysical speculations conoemiDg the nature of God
and the condition of man with an association formed for the exclu-
sive purpose of scientific improvement, and produced that combination
of science and theology which, in after ages, formed such a conspicuous
part of the principles of Free Masonry.
The knowledge of the Egyptians was carefully concealed from the
vulgar; and when the priests did condescend to communicate it to the
learned men of other Nations, it was conferred in symbols and hierogly-
phics, accompanied with particular rites and ceremonies, marking the
value of the gift they bestowed. What those ceremonies were which
were performed at initiation into the Egyptian mysteries, we are unable
at this distance of time to determine. But as the Eleusinian and other
mysteries had their origin in Egypt, we may be able perhaps to dis-
cover the qualities of the fountain by examining the nature of the
stream. ^
The immense populktion of Egypt, conjoined with other causes, occa-
sioned frequent emigrations from that enlightencxl country. In this
manner it became the centre of civilization, and introduced into the most
distant and savage climes the sublime mysteries of its religion, and those
important discoveries and useful inventions which originated in the
ingenuity of its inhabitants. The first colony of the Egyptians that
arrived in Greece was conducted by Inachus, about nineteen hundred
and seventy years before the Christian era ; and about three centuries
afterwards he was followed by Cecrops, Cadmus, and Danaus.^ The
savage inhabitants of Greece beheld with astonishment the magical tricks
of the Egyptians, and regarded as gods those skilful adventurers who
* Voyage de Jeune AnacharBis en Grece, torn, i, p. 2. Cecrops arrived in
Attica in 1657, b. c. Cadmus came from Phc^nicia to Oeotia in 1694, b. c, and
Danaus to Argolis in 158(>, b. o.
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8 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
commanicated to them the arts and sciences of their native land. In
this manner were sown those seeds of improrement which in future
ages exalted Greece to such pre-eminence among the Nations. After
these colonies had obtained a secure settlement in their new territories,
and were freed from those uneasy apprehensions which generally trouble
the invaders of a foreign land, they instituted, after the manner of their
ancestors, particular festivals or mysteries in honour of those who had
benefited their country by arts or arms. In the reign of Ericthonius,
about fifteen hundred years before the commencement of our era, the
Eleusinian mysteries were instituted in honour of Ceres, who, having
come to Greece in quest of her daughter, resided with Triptolemus at
Eleusis, and instructed him in the knowledge of agriculture, and in
the still more important knowledge of a future state. ^
About the same time the Panathenea were instituted in honour of
Minerva, and the Dionysian mysteries in honour of Bacchus, who invent-
ed theatres, and instructed the Greeks in many useful arts, but particu-
larly in the culture of the vine.' That the Eleusinian and Dionysian
mysteries were intimately connected with the progress of the arts and
scieuces is manifest from the very end for which they were formed ; and
that they were modelled upon the mysteries of Isis and Osiris, celebrated
in Egypt, is probable from the similarity of their origin, as well as from
the consent of ancient authors.' If there be any plausibility in our
former reasoning concerning the origin of knowledge in Egypt, it will
follow that the Dionysia and the mysteries of Eleusis were societies of
Free Masons, formed for scientific improvement^ though tinctured with
the doctrines of the Egyptian mythology.
But it is not from conjecture only that this conclusion may be drawn.
The striking similarity among the external forms of these secret associ-
ations, and the still more striking similarity of the objects they had in
view, are strong proofs that they were only difierent streams issuing
^ Bocbart's Geof^raphia Sacra, lib. i, cap. xx. Herodotus, lib. i, cap.
Iviii. Robertson's History of Ancient Greece, book i, pp. 68, 59. Isocrates
Paneg., torn, i, p. 132.
' Polydor. Yirg. de Remm Invent., lib. in, cap. xiii. Bacchus or Dionjsins
came into Greece during the reign of Amphictyon, who flourished about
1497, B. 0. ; Robertson's Greece, book i, p. 68.
* En adsum natura parens tuis Luci admota precibus summa numinnm, — cujus
numen unicum, multiformi specie, ritu vario, totus veneratur orbis. Me prime-
genii Phryges Pessinunticam nominant dedra matrem ; hinc Autochtones Attici
Cecropiam Minervam (alluding to the Panathenea) ; illinc Cretes Dictjrnnam
Dianam, Ac., Eleusinii vetustam Deam Cererem ; priscaqae doctrina poUentes
Egyptii, ceremoniis me prorsus propriis percolentes, appellant vero nomine
reginam Isidem. Lucii Apuleii Metamorph., lib. xi.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 0
from a common source. Those who were initiated into the Elensinian
mysteries- were bound by the most awful engagements to conceal the
instructions they received and the ceremonies that were performed.^
None were admitted as candidates till they arrived at a certain age,
and particular persons were appointed to examine and prepare them for
the rites of initiation. Those whose conduct was found irregular, or who
had been guilty of atrocious crimes, were rejected as unworthy of ini-
tiation, while the successful candidates were instructed by significant
symbols in the principles of religion ; exhorted to quell every turbu-
lent appetite and passion ; and to merit, by the improvement of their
minds and the purity of their hearts, those ineffikble benefits whict
they were still to receive. Significant words were communicated to the
members ; Grand officers presided over their assemblies ; their emblems
were exactly similar to those of Free Masonry; and the candidate
advanced from one degree to another till he received all the lessons of
wisdom and of virtue which the priests could impart.' But besides
these circumstances of resemblance, there are two f&cts transmitted to
us by ancient authors which have an astonishing similarity to the cere-
monies of the third degree of Free Masonry. So striking is the resem-
blance, that every Brother of the Order who is acquainted with them
cannot question for a. moment the opinion which we have been attempt-
ing to support.'
Having thus mentioned some features of resemblance between the
mysteries of Eleusis and those of Free Masonry, let us now attend to
the sentiments of contemporaries respecting these secret associations,
and we shall find that they have been treated both with illiberality
and insolence. That some men, who, from self-sufiiciency or unsocial
disposition have refused to be admitted into these Orders, should detract
from the character of an association which claims to enlighten the
learned and expand the affections of narrow and contracted minds, is by
no means a matter of surprise ; and it is equally consistent with human
nature that those whose irregular conduct had excluded them from initia-
tion should calumniate an Order whose blessings they were not allowed
1 Andoc de Myst., p. 7. Meursius in Elens. Myst., cap. xx. This latter
author has collected all the passages in ancient writers about the Eleusinian
mysteries.
' Hesycbins in T^^». Clemens. Alexand. Strom., lib. i, p. 325, lib. vii, p. 845.
Arrian in Epictet., lib. iii, cap. xxi, p. 440. Euseb. Prepar. Evangel., lib.
Ill, cap. xii, p. 117. Petav. ad. Themist., p. 414. Anacharsis, torn, iii,
p. 682.
" The Brethren may consult for this purpose the article Eleusinia, in the
Eucyclop«edia Britanuica ; also Robertson's Greece, book i, p. 127.
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10 THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
to participate, and whose honours they were prohibited to share. Men
of this description represented the celebration of the Eleosinian mysteries
as scenes of riot and debauchery, and reproached the members of the
association that they were not more virtuous and more holy than them-
selves.^ But it is the opinion of contemporary writers that these
charges were wholly gratuitous, and originated in the silence of the
initiated and the ignorance of the vulgar. They even maintain that
the mysteries of Eleusis produced sanctity of manners, attention to
the social duties, and a desire to be as distinguished by virtue as
by silence'. The illustrious Socrates could never be prevailed upon
to partake of these mysteries ; and Diogenes having received a similar
solicitation, replied that PataBcion, a notorious robber, obtained initia-
tion; and that Epaminondas and Agesilaus never desired it.' But did
not these men know that in all human societies the virtuous and the
noble must sometimes associate with the worthless and the mean ? Did
they not know that there often kneel in the same temple the righteous
and the profane; and that the saint and the sinner frequently officiate
at the same altar? Thus did the philosophers of antiquity calumniate
and despise the mysteries of Eleusis; and in the same manner have
some pretended philosophers of our own day defamed the character and
questioned the motives of Free Masons. With a little less modesty
than the ancients, they have not like them quarrelled us because wo
are not more virtuous than themselves, but they have told us that
we are less than the least of men, and charged upon us crimes as
detestable in the eyes of Masons as they are hostile to the interests of
society.
This similarity of treatment which the mysteries of Ceres and Free
Masonry have received is no small proof of the similarity of their
origin and their object. To this conclusion, however, it may be objected
that though the points of resemblance between these secret societies are
numerous, yet there were circumstances in the celebration of the Eleu-
sinian mysteries which have no counterpart in the ceremonies of Free
Masonry. The sacrifices, purifications, hymns, and dances, which were
necessary in the festival of Ceres, have indeed no place in the society of
Free Masons. But these points of dissimilarity, instead of weakening
rather strengthen our opinion. It cannot be expected that in the reign
of Polytheism just sentiments of the Deity should be entertained, and
much less that the adherents of Christianity should bend their knees to
1 Porphjrr. de AbstioeDtia, lib. nr, p. 363. Julian Orat. v, p. 173.
' Encyclopsedia Britannica, article Klousinia.
• Lucian in Dcinonact., torn, ii, p. 380. Plut. deaud. Poet, toni. ii, p. 21.
Diofr. Laert., lib. vi, sec. 39.
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THB HISTORY OF FBBB MA80NBY. 11
the gods of the heathens. The ancients worshipped those beings who
conferred on them the most signal benefits, with sacrifices, purifications,
and other tokens of their hnmilitj and gratitude; but when revelation
had disclosed to man more amiable sentiments concerning the Divine
Being, the Society of Free Masons banished from their mysteries those
useless rites with which the ancient Brethren of the Order attempted to
appease and requite their deities, and modeUed their ceremonies upon
this foundation — ^that there is but one God, who must be worshipped in
spirit and in truth.
The mysteries of Ceres were not confined to the city of Eleusis; they
were introduced into Athens about thirteen hundred and fifbynsix years
before Christ;* and, with a few slight variations, were observed in
Phrygia, Cyprus, Crete, and Sicily.' They had even reached to the
capital of France;' and it is highly probable that shortly afterwards
they were introduced into Britain and other northern kingdoms. In
the reign of the Emperor Adrian * they were carried into Home, and
were celebrated in that metropolis with the same rites and ceremonies
which were performed in the humble village of Eleusis. They had
contracted impurities, however, from the length of their duration, and
the corruption of their abettors; and though the forms of initiation
were still symbolical of the original and noble objects of the institution,
yet the licentious Romans mistook the shadow for the substance, and
while they underwent the rites of the Eleusinian mysteries they were
strangers to the objects for which they were framed.
About the beginning of the fifth century Theodosius the Qreat pro-
hibited, and almost totally extinguished the Pagan theology in the
Roman Empire, and the mysteries of Eleusis suffered in the general
destruction. It is probable, however, that these mysteries were secretly
celebrated in spite of the severe edicts of Theodosius ; and that they
were partly continued through the dark ages, though stripped of their
original purity and splendour. We are certain at least, that many rites
of the Pagan religion were performed under the dissembled name of
convivial meetings, long after the publication of the Emperor's edicts/
^ Playfair'8 Chronology. > Lueii Apuleii Metamorph., lib. xi.
■ Praise of Paris, or a Sketch of the French Capital, 1803, by 8. West, F.R.S.,
F. A.S. This author observes, in the Preface to his work, that Paris is derived
from Par ItUy because it was built beside a temple dedicated to that goddess;
that this temple was demolished at the establishment of Christianity, and that
there-remsins to this day, in the Petits Augustins, a statue of Isis Dursing Orus.
* A. D. 117. Eocyclopeedia Britannica, article Elensinia. Potter's Antiq^
vol. I, p. 389.
' Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Boman Empire, vol. v, chap,
xxviii. Zosimus's Hist., lib. iv.
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12 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
and Psellus infonns ns^ that the mysteries of Ceres existed in Athens
till the eighth century of the Christian era, and were never totally
suppressed.
Having thus considered the origin and decline of the mysteries of
Eleusis, and discovered in them numerous and prominent features of
resemblance to those of Free Masonry, we may reasonably infer that the
Egyptian mysteries, which gave rise to the former, had a still nearer
affinity to the latter ; and from this conclusion the opinions that were
formerly stated concerning the antiquity of the Order and the origin
of Egyptian knowledge will receive very considerable confirmation.
. Let us now direct our attention to the Dionysia, or Mysteries of
Bacchus, which were intimately connected with those of Ceres, and
perhaps still more with the mysteries of Free Masonry. Herodotus "
informs us that the solemnities in honour of Dionysius or Bacchus were
originally instituted in Egypt, and were transported from that country
into Greece by one Melampus. But not only did the mysteries of
Ceres and Bacchus flow from the same source, the one was in some
measure interwoven with the other; and it is almost certain, from what
we are now to mention, that those who were initiated into the former
were entitled to be present at the celebration of the latter. The sixth
day of the Eleusinian festival was the most brilliant of the whole. It
received the appellation of Bacchus, because it was chiefly, if not exclu-
sively devoted to the worship of that god. His statue, attended by the
initiated and the ministers of the temple, was conducted from Athens
to Eleusis with much pomp and solemnity;' and after it had been
introduced into the temple of Ceres it was brought back to Athens
with similar ceremonies. The connection between the Eleusinian and
Dionysian mysteries is manifest also from the common opinion that
Ceres was the mother of Bacchus:^ And Plutarch assures us that the
Egyptian Isis was the same with Ceres; that Osiris was the same with
Bacchus ; and that the Dionysia of Greece was only another name for
the Pamylia of Egypt." As Bacchus was the inventor of theatres as
^ In his Treatise on the gods whom the Greeks worshipped, quoted by Mr
Clinch ia the ADtbologia Hibernica for January 1794.
' Lib. II. The testimony of Herodotus is greatly corroborated when we
recollect that there were temples in Egypt erected in honour of Bacchus. It
is not probable that the Egyptians would borrow from the Greeks.
' Anacharsis, torn, in, p. 531. Plut. in Phoc, torn, i, p. 764. Meursius in
Elena Myst., cap. xxvil
* Potter's Antiq., vol. i, p. 393.
^ De Iside et Osiride. Id6e du Gouvcrnement Ancien et Modern de TEgypte,
p. 26.— Paris, 1743.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 13
well as of dramatic Tepresentatious, that particalar class of Masons who
were employed in the erection of these extensive buildings were called
the DiONYSiAN Artificers/ who possessed the exdnsive privilege of
erecting temples, theatres, and other pablic buildings in Asia Minor.
They supplied Ionia and the surrounding countries as £ftr as the Helle-
spont with theatrical apparatus by contract; and erected to Bacchus, the
founder of their Order, the magnificent temple at Teos.' These artists were
initiated into the mysteries of their founder, and consequently into those
of Eleusis. * But from the tendency of the human mind to embrace the
ceremonial while it neglects the substantial part of an institution, the
Dionysian festival, in the degenerate ages of Greece, was more remark-
able for inebriation and licentiousness than for the cultivation of virtue
and of science; and he who was at first celebrated as the inventor of
arts was afterwards worshipped as the god of wine. Those who were
desirous of indulging secretly in licentious mirth and nnhallowed festi-
vity cloaked their proceedings under the pretence of worshipping
Bacchus ; and brought disgrace upon those mysteries which were
instituted for the promotion of virtue and the improvement of art.
About two hundred years before Christ, an illiterate and licentious
priest came from Greece to Tuscany and instituted the Bacchanalia,
or Feast of the Bacchanals. From Tuscany they were imported to
Rome ; but the promoters of these midnight orgies having proceeded to
the farthest extremity of dissipation and disloyalty, they were abolished
throughout all Italy by a decree of the Senate. ^
It has been foolishly supposed that the Bacchanalia were similar to
the Dionysian mysteries, merely because they were both dedicated to
Bacchus. The Liberalia of Rome wjlb the festival corresponding to the
Dionysia of Greece ;° and it is probable that this feast was observed
throughout the Roman Empire till the abrogation of the Pagan theology
in the reign of Theodosius. The opinion which an impartial inquirer
would form concerning the nature and tendency of the mysteries of
Bacchus would not be very favourable to the character of the institution.
But it should be remembered that deviations from the intentions and
form of any association are no objection to the association itself ; they
are rather proofs of its original purity and excellence, as it is not from
^ Ai99v^iAm$t ri;^M«wi. Aulus Gellins, lib. xx, cap. iv.
' iStrabo, lib. iv. Cbishnli's Antiquitates ABiaticsB, pp. 107, 139. Robison's
Proofs of a Conspiracy, p. 20. Ionian Antiquities, published by the Society
of Dilettanti, p. 4.
■ Potter's Antiq., vol. i, p. 41.
* Tit. Liv., lib. XXXIX, caps, viii and xviiL
" Liberalia (says Festus) liberi Festa, quae apud Grsecos dicuntur Dionysia.
Universal History, vol. xiii, p. 262.
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14 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
the paths of vice, but from those of virtae, that we are aocustomed to
stray.
Hitherto we bare considered the Dionysian mysteries under an
unpropitious aspect ; let as now trace them in their progress from
Europe to Asia, where they retained their primitive lustre, and effect-
ually contributed to the rapid advancement of the fine arts.
About a thousand years before Christ^ the inhabitants of Attica,
complaining of the narrowness of their territory and the unfruitfulness
of its soil, went in quest of more extensive and fertile settlements.
Being joined by a number of adventurers from the surrounding districts
they sailed to Asia Minor, drove out the inhabitants, seized upon the
most eligible situations, and united them under the name of Ionia,
in compliment to the majority of their number who were natives of
that province. ' As the Greeks, prior to the Ionic migration, had
made considerable progress in the arts and sciences, ' they carried these
along with them into their new territories ; and introduced into Ionia
the mysteries of Minerva and Dionysius before they were corrupted
by the licentiousness of the Athenians.^ In a short time the Asiatic
colonies surpassed the mother country in prosperity and science.
Painting, sculpture in marble, and the Doric and Ionian Orders were
the result of their ingenuity, o The colonists even returned into Greece,
communicating to its inhabitants the inventions of their own country,
and instructing them in that style of architecture which has been the
admiration of succeeding ages. For these improvements the world is
indebted to the scientific attainments of the Dionysian Artificers, who
were very numerous in Asia, and existed under the same appellation in
Syria, Persia, and India. About three hundred years before the birth
of Christ a great number of them were incorporated, by command of
the kings of Pergamos, who assigned to them Teos as a settlement,
being the city of their tutelary god. The members of this associa-
tion, who were profoundly learned in the Dionysian mysteries^ were
distinguished from the uninitiated inhabitants of Teos by the science
^ Playfair places the Ionic migration in 1044, & o. ; Gillies in 1055 ; and
Bartbelemy, the author of Anacharsis's Travels, in 1076.
' Herodotus, lib. i, cap. cxUL Gillies's History of Ancient Greece, vol. i,
chap. iii.
' According to the author of Anacharsis's Travels, the arts took their rise in
Greece about 1547, b. o.
4 Chandler's Travels in Asia Minor, p. 100, 4to. 1775. The Panathenea and
the Dionysian mysteries were instituted about 300 years before the Ionic
migration.
^ Gillies's Greece, vol. ii, chap. xiv.
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THB HISTORY OF CBEE MASONRY. 15
whicli thej possessed, and bj appropriate words and signs whereby
they could recognise their Brethren of the Order. ^ Like Free Masons,
thej were divided into Lodges, which were distinguished by different
appellations.! They occasionally held conyivial meetings in houses
erected and consecrated for this purpose ; and each separate association
was under the direction of a master, and presidents or wardens. They
held a general meeting once a year, which was solemnised with great
pomp and festivity, and at which the Brethren partook of a splendid
entertainment provided by the master, after they had finished the
sacrifices to their gods, especially to their' patron Bacchus; the more
opulent artists were bound to provide for the exigencies of their poorer
Brethren; and in their ceremonial observances they used particular
utensils, some of which were exactly similar to those that are employed
by the Fraternity of Free Masons.' The very monuments which were
reared by these Masons to the memory of their masters and war-
dens remain to the present day in the Turkish burying-grounds at
Siverhissar and £raki. < The inscriptions upon them express in strong
terms the gratitude of the Fraternity for their disinterested exertions
in behalf of the Order; for their generosity and benevolence to its
individual members; for their private virtues, as well as for their
public conduct. From some circumstances which are stated in these
inscriptions, but particularly from the name of one of the Lodges, it is
highly probable that Attains, king of Pergamos, was a member of the
Dionysian Fraternity.
Such was the nature of that association of architects who erected those
splendid edifices in Ionia whose ruins afford us instruction while they
excite our admiration and surprise. If it be possible to prove the identity
of any two societies from the coincidence of their external forms we are
' Kmi rtt AufWt* rqv A^Mir iXnf naia^iirmfTts (**Xt* ^f Uli*»it. Strabo, p. 471.
Ionian Antiquities, p. 4. Chisbull's Antiq. Asiat., p. 138. Kobison's Proofs of
a Conspiracy, p. 20.
' One of these Lodges was denominated Koifiw r»n Arrayifrttt, i. e, Commnne
Attalistaram, and another Kmw tdc E;^«y«0 Xv^^(i«f, u e. Conmrane Sodalitii
Echini. ChishnU, p. 139.
> See the two Decrees of these artists preserved in Chishnll, pp. 138-149. The
place where they assembled is called ^tnuxtm, contiibeminm ; and the society
itself sometimes ^vncymyn, collegium ; Su^iets^ secta ; fwtisst synodos ; »MMf,com-
manitas. Aulus Gellius, lib. viu, cap. xi. Chandler's Travels, p. 103 ; also the
Decrees aforesaid.
^ Chandler's Travels, p. 100. These monnments were erected abont 150
years b. o. The inscriptions npon them were published by Edmund ChishnU in
1728, from copies taken by Consul Sherard in 1709, and examined in 1716.
Ionian Antiquities, p. 3.
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16 THE HISTORY OF FREE MA80NRY.
authorised to conclude that the Fraternity of the Ionian Architects and
the Fraternity of Free Masons are exactly the same; and as the former
practised the mysteries of Bacchus and Ceres, several of which we hare
shown to be similar to the mysteries of Free Masonry, we may safely
affirm that in their internal, as well as external procedure, the Society
of Free Masons resembles the Dionysiacs of Asia Minor. ^
The opinion, therefore, of Free Masons^ that their Order existed and
flourished at the building of Solomon's Temple is by no means so pregnant
with absurdity as some men would wish us to believe. We have already
shown from authentic sources of information that the mysteries of Ceres
and Bacchus were instituted about four hundred years before the reign
of Solomon / and there are strong reasons for believing that even the
association of the Dionysian Architects existed before the building of
the Temple. It was not, indeed, till about three hundred years before
the birth of Christ that they were incorporated at Teos under the kings
of Pergamos, but it is universally allowed that they arose long before
their settlement in Ionia, and, what is more to our present purpose, that
they also existed in the land of Judea ; moreover, it is observed by Dr
Robison that they came from Persia into Syria along with that style
of architecture which is called Grecian :' And, since we are informed by
Joseph us that tliat species of architecture was used at the erection of
the Temple,^ we are authorised to infer not only that the Dionysiacs
existed before the reign of Solomon, but that they assisted this monarch
in building that magnificent fabric which he reared to the God of Israel.
Nothing indeed can be more simple and consistent than the creed of the
Fraternity concerning the state of their Order at this period. The
vicinity of Jerusalem to Egypt, — ^the connection of Solomon with the
royal family of that kingdom," — ^the progress of the Egyptians in archi-
tectural science, — ^their attachment to mysteries and hieroglyphic sym-
bols, and the probability of their being employed by the King of Israel,
are additional considerations whiqh corroborate the sentiments of Free
Masons, and absolve them from those charges of credulity and pride with
which they have been so frequently branded.
^ Dr Robison, who will not be suspected of partiality to Free Masons, ascribes
their origin to the Dionysian artists. It is impossible, indeed, for any candid
inquirer to call in question their identity.
■ According to Piayfair's Chronology the Temple of Solomon was begun in
1016, and finished in 1008 b. c. The Eleusinian mysteries were introduced into
Athena in 1356 b.c, a considerable time after their institution.
^ Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy, pp. 20, 21.
Josephus's Jewish Antiquities, book vm, chap. v.
if^. book vin, chap. ii.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
17
To these views it may be objected that if the Fraternity of Free
Masons flourished during the reign of Solomon it would have existed in
Judea in after ages, and attracted the notice of sacred or profane his-
torians. Whether or not this objection is well founded, we shall not
pretend to determine ; but if it can be shown that there did exist after
the building of the Temple an association of men resembling Free
Masons in the nature, ceremonies, and object of their institution, the
force of the objection will not only be taken away, but additional
strength communicated to the opinion which we have been supporting.
The association here alluded to is that of the Essenes, whose origin
and principles have occasioned much discussion among Ecclesiastical
historians, who are all agreed however respecting the constitution and
observances of this religious Order, whose distinctive points may here
be briefly enumerated.
When a candidate was proposed for admission the strictest scrutiny
was made into his character. If his life had hitherto been exemplary,
and if he appeared capable of curbing his passions and regulating his
conduct according to their virtuous though austere maxims, he was
presented at the expiration of his noviciate with a white garment as
an emblem of the regularity of his conduct and the purity of his heart.
A solemn oath was then administered to him that he would never
divulge their mysteries; that he would make no innovations on the
doctrines of the society; and that he would continue in that honourable
course of piety and virtue which he had begun to pursue. Like Free
Masons, they instructed the young member in the knowledge which
they derived from their ancestors; they admitted no women into their
Order ;^ they had particular signs for recognising each other, which have
a strong resemblance to those of Free Masons;' they had colleges or
places of retirement where they resorted to practise their rites and
settle the affairs;' and after the performance of these duties they
assembled in a large hall, where an entertainment was provided for
them by the president or master of the college, who allotted a certain
^ Pictet. Theologie Chretienne, torn, iii, part, iii, pp. 107, 109. Basnage's His-
tory of the Jews, book ii, chaps, xli and xiii, paeaim, Philo de Vita Contempla^
tivBy apud opera, p. 691.
' In order to be convinced of this, the Brethren may consult some of the
works already quoted, particularly Philo's Treatise de Vita Coutemplativa,
apud opera, p. 691.
' BasDoge, book in, chap, xli, see. 14. Opera Philonis, p. 679. When Philo,
in his Treatise entitled ^ Quod omnis probns Liber," is describing the Society
of the Essenes, he employs the same terms to denote the association itself, and
their places of meeting, which are ased in the Decrees of the Dionysians already
mentioned. Vide Philo de Vita Contemplativa, p. 691.
2
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18 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
quantity of provisions to every individual. They abolished all distinc-
tions of rank, and if preference was ever given it was given to piety,
liberality, and virtue. Treasurers were appointed in every town to supply
the wants of indigent strangers.^ They laid claim to higher degrees of
piety and knowledge than the uninitiated vulgar; and though their pre-
tensions were high they were never questioned by their enemies. One
of their chief characteristics was austerity of manners, but they frequently
assembled in convivial parties, and relaxed for a time the severity of
those duties which they were accustomed to perform.' This remarkable
coincidence between the chief features of the Masonic and Essenian Fra-
ternities can only be accounted for by referring them to the same origin.
Were the circumstances of resemblance either few or fanciful, the simi-
larity might have been merely casual ; but when the nature, the object,
and the external forms of two institutions are precisely the same, the
arguments for their identity are something more than presumptive. There
is one point, however, which may at first sight seem to militate against
this supposition. The Essenes do not appear to have been in any
respect connected with architecture, nor to have followed with ardour
those sciences and pursuits which are subsidiary to the art of building.
That they directed their attention to particular sciences, which they
professed to have received from their fathers, is allowed by all writers ;
but whether or not these sciences were in any shape connected with
architecture, we are at this distance of time unable to determine. Be
this as it may, uncertainty upon this head, nay, even an assurance that
the Essenes were unconnected with architectural science, will not affect
the hypothesis which we have been maintaining ; for there have been,
and still are, many associations of Free* Masons where no architects
are members, and which have no connection with the art of building.
But if this is not deemed a sufficient answer to the objection, an
inquiry into the origin of the Essenes will probably remove it alto-
gether, while it affords additional evidence for the identity of the two
associations.
The opinions of both sacred and profane historians concerning the
origin of the Essenes have been widely different. They all agree, how-
ever, in representing them as an ancient association ori^nating from
particular fraternities which formerly existed in the land of Judea.'
^ Basnage, book ni, chap, xii, sees. 20, 21, and 22 ; chap, xiii, sec. 1. Opera
Philouis, p. 678.
" Dicam aliquid de sodalitiis eorum, quoties hilarias convivia celebrant.
Opera Philonis, p. 692.
* Gale's Court of the Gentiles, book n, part ii, chap. 6, p. 147. Serrar
Trihaer. lib. iir, cap. ii. Vide also Basnage, book zi, chap, xii, sec. 4 ; and
Pictet. Theolog. Chret., tom. lu, part iii, p. 106.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 19
Pliny refers them to such a remote antiquity^ that they must have
existed during the reign of Solomon; and even Basnage, who is the
only writer that seems disposed to consider them as a recent association,
confesses that they existed under Antigonus, about three hundred years
before the Christian era.' Scaliger contends, with much appearance of
truth, that the Essenes were descentled from the Kasideans, who are
60 honourably mentioned in the history of the Maccabees. The Kasi-
deans were a religions Fraternity, or an Order of Tlie Knights of the
Temple of Jerusalem, who bound themselves to adorn the porches of
that magnificent structure, and to preserve it from injury and decay.
This body was composed of the greatest men of Israel, who were
distinguished for their charitable and peaceful dispositions ; and always
signalised themselves by their ardent zeal for the purity and preserva-
tion of the Temple.^ From these facts it appears that the Essenes
were not only an ancient Fraternity, but that they originated from « a
society of architects who were connected with the building of Solomon's
Temple. Nor was this Order confined to the Holy Land. Like the
Fraternities of the Dionysiacs and Free Masons it existed in all parts of
the world ; and though the Lodges in Jndea were chiefly, if not wholly
composed of Jews, yet the Essenes admitted to their privileges men of
every religion and every rank in life. They adopted many of the
Egyptian mysteries; and like the priests of that country, the Magi of
Persia, and the Gymnosophists in India, they united the study of moral
with that of natural philosophy. Although they were patronised by
Herod, and respected by all men for the correctness of their conduct
and the innocence of their lives, they suffered severe persecutions from
the Romans, until their abolition about the middle of the fifth century^
— a period extremely fatal to the venerable institutions of Egypt, Greece,
and Rome.
Connected with the Essenian and Masonio Fraternities was the Insti-
tution of Pythagoras at Crotona. After this philosopher, in the course
of his travels through Egypt, Syria, and Ionia, had been initiated into
the mysteries of these enlightened kingdoms, he imported into Europe
the sciences of Asia, and offered to the inhabitants of his native land the
* Pliny, lib.'v, cap. 17. Vide alao Soliims, chap, xxxv, p. 43. Edit. Salmasii.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, article Essenes.
* Basnage, book ii, chap, ii, sec. 8. Pictet. Theolog. Chret., tom. iii, part iii,
p. 107.
> Scaliger de Emend. Temp. ; Elench. Trihaw, cap. xxii, p. 441. 1st Mac-
cabees, vii, 13.
* Basnage, book ii, chap, xiii, sec. 4 ; chap, xii, sec. 20, compared with chap,
xiii, sec. 4 ; chap, xii, sees. 24^ 25, 26. Philo's Treatise, ** Quod omnis probus
Liber," apud opera, p. 678.
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20 THE HISTORY OP FREE MA80NRT.
important benefits which he himself had received.^ The offers of the
sage having been rejected by his countrymen of Sanios, he settled at
Crotona^ in ItaJy, where more respect was paid to his person and more
attention to his precepts. When the kindness of the Crotonians, and
their solicitude to obtain scientific information had inspired Pythagoras
with some hopes of success, he selected a number of his pupils who,
from the similarity of their characters, the mildness of their dispositions,
and the steadiness of their conduct, seemed best adapted for forwarding
the purposes he had in view. He formed them into a Fraternity or
separate Order, whom ho instructed in the sciences of the East, and to
whom he imparted the mysteries and rites of the Egyptian, Syrian, and
Ionian associations. Before any one was received into the number of
his disciples a minute and diligent inquiry was made into his temper
and character. If the issue of this inquiry was favourable to the candi-
date, he bound himself by a solemn engagement to conceal from the
uninitiated the mysteries which ho might receive and the sciences in
which he might be instructed. The doctrines of charity, of universal
benevolence, and especially of affection to the Brethren of the Order,
were strongly recommended to the young aspirant; and such was the
influence which these had upon their minds that discord seemed to have
been banished from Italy, and the golden age to have again returned.
Strangers of every country, of every religion, and of every rank in life,
were received, if properly qualified, into the Pythagorean association.
Like Free Masons they had particular words and signs by which they
might distinguish each other, and correspond at a distance. They wore
white garments as an emblem of their innocence. They had a parti-
cular regard for the east. They advanced from one degree of know-
ledge to another, and were forbidden to commit to writing their mys-
teries, which were preserved solely by tradition. The Pythagorean
symbols and secrets were borrowed from the Egyptians, the Orphic and
Eleusinian rites, the Magi, the Iberians, and the Celts. They consisted
chiefly of the arts and sciences united with theology and ethics, and
were communicated to the initiated in cyphers and s3rmbols. To those
who were destitute of acute discernment these hieroglyphic repre-
sentations seemed pregnant with absurdity, while others of more pene-
tration discovered in them hidden treasures calculated to inform
the understanding and purify the heart — a circumstance that often
happens also in Free Masonry. An association of this nature, found-
ed upon such principles, and fitted for such ends, did not continue
long in obscurity. In a short time it extended over Italy and Sicily, and
was diffused even throughout ancien*l Greece and the Islands of the
1 Pythagoras returned from Egypt about 560 years b. o.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 21
^gean Sea. Like otKer secret societies it was vilified by malicious
men who were prohibited from sharing its advantages from the weak-
ness of their minds and the depravity of their hearts. Chagrined with
disappointment and inflamed with rage^ they often executed vengeance
upon the innocent Pythagoreans, and even set fire to the Lodges in
which they were assembled. But the disciples of the sage persisted in
that honourable cause in which they had embarked; and though the
persecution of their enemies drove them from their native land they
still retained for each other the sympathy of brothers, and often suffered
death in its most agonizing form rather than violate the engagements
into which they had entered.^ An attempt like this against the Society of
Free Masons has been witnessed in our day. It did not, indeed, pro-
ceed to such an extremity of violence, but the spirit of extirpation
existed in sentiment though it had not the courage to display itself in
action. Disaffection to Government, and disrespect to religion were
charged upon them with all the confidence of truth ; and had the Govern-
ments of Europe been foolish enough to credit the dreams of a few nervous
philosophers, their subjects might at this moment have been armed
against each other^ and the Nations of the World embroiled in discord.
From these observations it is manifest that the Pythagorean and
Masonic institutions were similar in their external forms as well as in
the objects which they had in view, and that both of them experienced
from cotemporaries the same unmerited reproach. Mr Clinch in his
Essays on Free Masonry' has enumerated at great length all the poiuts
of resemblance between these two institutions. He attempts to prove
that Free Masonry took its rise from the Pythagorean Fraternity ; but
though he has been successful in pointing out a remarkable coincidence
between these associations, he has no authority for concluding that the
former originated from the latter. In a Masonic manuscript preserved
in the Bodleian Library, in the handwriting of King Henry VI, it is ex-
pressly said that Pythagoras learned Masonry from Egypt and Syria,
and from those countries where it had been planted by the Phcenicians ;
that the Pythagoreans carried it into France ; and that it was in the
course of time imported from that country into England.* This, indeed,
^ Jamblichus de Vita Pythagoras, passim. Gillies's Greece^ vol. ii, chap, xi,
pp. 27-36. Aulus GelliuB, book i, cap. 9. Basnage's History of the Jews,
book u, cap. xiii, sec. 21. Anthologies Hibernica for 3Iarch 1794. Warbur-
ton's Divine Legation of Moses^ book iii, sec. iii.
' Published in the Anthologia Hibernica for 1794.
• Lives of Leland, Hearne, and Wood, — Oxford, 1772 ; Appendix to the Life
of Leland, No. vii. A further reference to this Manuscript will be found on
page 49, antea.
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22 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
is no direct proof of our opinion, bnt it shows at least that the same
ideas were entertained by the Fraternity in England about four
hundred years ago. It has been supposed by some philosophers^ that
Pythagoras derived his mysteries chiefly from the Essenes, who were at
that time much respected and very numerous in Egypt and Syria, and
the wonderful similarity between these societies, both in the forms
which they had in common with Free Masonry and in those lesser cus-
toms and ceremonies which were peculiar to themselves, render such a
supposition extremely probable. It is remarked by all Ecclesiastical
historians that the Essenes were Pythagoreans both in discipline and
doctrine," without ever considering that the former existed some hundred
years before the birth of Pythagoras.' The Pythagoreans, therefore,
were connected with the Essenes, and the Essenes with the Kasideans^
who engaged to preserve and adorn the Temple of Jerusalem.^
There is one objection to the view which we have taken of this sub-
ject, which, though it has already been slightly noticed, it may be neces-
sary more completely to remove. Although it will be acknowledged by
every unbiassed reader that Free Masonry has a wonderful resemblance
to the Eleusinian and Dionysian mysteries, the Fraternity of Ionian
architects, and the Essenian and Pythagorean associations, yet some may
be disposed to question the identity of these institutions because they
^ Faydit Lettre, Nouvelles de la Republique des Lettres, Octobre 1703, p. 472.
* Gregory's Church History, vol. i, cent. 1.
' Pliny, book v, cap. 17. SoHnus, cap. xxxv, p. 43.
^ Along with these Fraternities the Druids might have been mentioned as re'
■embling Free Masons in the object as well as in the ceremonies of their Order.
But the learned are so divided in their sentiments concerning the nature and
opinions of this Fraternity that it is difficult to handle the subject without
transgressing the limits of authentic history. The most probable of all the
hypotheses concerning the origin of the Druids is that which supposes them to
have learned their mysteries from the Pythagoreans; for in the 57th Olym-
piad, abont 650 b. c, a colony of Phocians imported into Gaul the philosophy and
the arts of Greece (Justin, lib. xliii, cap. 4), and prior to this period Frater-
nities of Pythagoreans had been established in Greece. Ammianus Marcellinus
(lib. XV, cap. 9,) informs us '^ that the Druids were formed into Fraternities, as
the authority of Pythagoras had decreed ;'* and indeed the similarity of their
philosophical tenets (as detailed in Henry's History of Great Britain, vol. ii,
book I, chap, iv,) to those of the Pythagoreans, authorises us to conclude
that they borrowed from this philosopher their forms and mysteries, as well as
their religious and philosophical opinions. This supposition will appear more
probable when we reflect that Abaris, a native of Britain, travelled into
Greece, returned by the way of Crotona, was instructed in the Pythagorean
mysteries, and carried into his native country the knowledge which he had
acquired. Compare this Note with the facts in p. 20, supra.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MAflONUY. 23
had different names, and because some usages were observed by one
which were neglected by another. But these circumstances of dissimi-
larity arise from those necessary changes which are superinduced upon
every institution by a spirit of innovation, by the caprice of individuals,
and by the various revolutions in civilized society. Every alteration or
improvement in philosophical systems or ceremonial institutions generally
produces a corresponding variation in their name, deduced from the
nature of the improvement or from the name of the innovator. The
different associations, for example, whose nature and tendency we have
-been considering, received their names from circumstances merely casual,
and often of trifling consideration, though all of them were established
for the same purpose and derived from the same source. When the
mysteries of the Essenes were imported by Pythagoras into Italy, without
undergoing much variation they were there denominated the mysteries
of Pythagoras; and in our day they are called the secrets of Free
Masonry, because many of their symbols are derived from the art of
building, and because they are believed to have been invented by an
association of architects who were anxious to preserve among themselves
the knowledge which they had acquired.^ The difference in the cere-
monial observances of these institutions may be accounted for nearly
upon the same principles. From the ignorance or superior sagacity of
those who presided over the ancient Fraternities some ceremonies would
be insisted upon more than others ; some of less moment would be ex-
alted into consequence ; while others of greater importance would be
depressed into obscurity. In process of time, therefore, some trifling
changes would be effected upon these ceremonies, some rites abolished,
and others introduced. Th e chief difference, however, between the ancient
and modem mysteries is in those points which concern religion. But
this arises from the great changes which have been effected in religious
knowledge. It cannot be supposed that the rites of the Egyptian, Jew-
ish, and Grecian religions should be observed by those who profess only
the religion of Christ ; or that we should pour out libations to Ceres and
Bacchus, who acknowledge no heavenly superior but the true and the
living God.
It may be proper to notice in this place an objection urged by M. Barruel
against the opinion of those who believe that the mysteries of Free
Masonry are similar to the mysteries of Egypt and Greece.* From the
unfairness with which this writer has stated the sentiments of his oppo-
* Symbols derived from the art of building were also employed by the Pytha-
goreans for conveyiug instruction to those who were initiated into their Frater-
nity.— Prodns in End., lib. xi, def. 2, &c.
> Memoirs of Jacobinism, vol. zi, pp. 355-360.
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24 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
nents on this sabject, from the confidence and triumph with which he has
proposed his own, and above all from the disingenuitj with which he
has supported them^ roanj inattentive readers may have been led to
adopt his notions, and to form as despicable an idea of the understand-
ings, as he would wish them to form of the characters of Masons. He
takes it for granted that all who embrace the opinion which we have
endeavoured to support mast necessarily believe that a unity of religious
sentiments and moral precepts was maintained in all the ancient mys-
teries, and that the initiated entertained just notions of the unity of God,
while the vulgar were addicted to the grossest Polytheism. Upon this
gratuitous supposition, which we completely disavow, because it has no
connection with our hypothesis, Barruel founds all his declamations
against the connection of our Order with the Pythagorean and Eleusinian
institutions. If this supposition, indeed, were true, his opinion would be
capable of proof. But he is all the while combating the dogmas of War-
burton while he thinks he is demolishing the antiquity of our Order.
There is perhaps in no language such a piece of downright sophistiy as
this portion of Barruel's work. He seems to scruple at no method, how-
ever base or dishonourable, that can bring discredit upon Free Masonry
and every thing connected with it. After overturning the opinion of
Warburton he next attacks us on our own ground, styling ns the child-
ren of sophistry, deism, and pantheism, who deduce our origin from
associations of men that were enemies to Christianity,^ and followed no
guide but the light of nature. But this writer should recollect that the
son is not accountable for the degeneracy of his parents ; and if the
ancient mysteries were the nurseries of such dangerous opinions as he,
in opposition to authentic history, lays to their charge, it is to the glory
of their posterity that they have shaken off the yoke and embraced
that heavenly light which their ancestors affected to despise.
It is unfortunate for Free Masonry that it should have to encounter
such objections as these, stated by a writer qualified to adorn fiction
in the most alluring attire, and impart to sophistry the semblance of
demonstration . Many careless readers have been misled by the elegance
and animation of his diction, — many religious men have been deceived
by his affectation of piety and benevolence, — and all have been
imposed upon by the intrusion of numerous and apparently wilful
fabrications. But though the name of Jesus sounds in every period, —
though a regard for individual happiness and public tranquillity are
held forth as the objects of his labours, — ^yet that charity and forbear-
1 Vide Barruel, vol. ii, p. 357. We do not find in any Bystem of chronology
that Christianity existed in the time of Pythagoras^ or at the establishment of
the Eleusinian mysteries !
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THE HI6T0BY OF FB££ MASONRY. 25
ance which distingnish the Christian character are never exemplified in
the work of Barruel^ and the hypocrisy of his pretensions are often
betrayed by the fury of his zeal. The tattered veil behind which he
attempts to cloak his inclinations often discloses to the reader the
motives of the man and the wishes of his party. The intolerant spirit
of a Romish priest breaks forth in every eentence, and brands with
in£Eimy every order of men whom he snpposes'to have favoured that fatal
revolution which demolished the religious establishment of France, and
forced a catholic sovereign to fly for refuge to our hospitable isle. ^
^ These remarks upon the Memoirs of Jacobinism may be reckoned by some
too general and acrimonious, especially as Barmel has exculpated the Masons
iu England from those enormous crimes with which he has charged their
Brethren on the Continent. It is evident, however, though denied by the author,
that this exception was intended merely as a compliment to the English Nation;
for many of his alle^tions against Free Masonry are so general that they
necessarily involve in guilt every class of Afasons, whether British or CoDti-
nentaL The falsehood of all these accusations is manifest not only from their
heing unsupported by evidence but from the mild and generous conduct of the
British legislature to these secret societies ; for if the Government of this
country had been credulous enough to believe one half of what Barruel said, it
would have been called upon by every motive not only to dissolve, but to extir-
pate such villainous associations.
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26 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
CHAPTER II.
PARTIAL EXTINCTION OF SECRET ASSOCIATIONS DURING THE DARK
AGES TRAVELLING ARCHITECTS FREE MASONRY EXTINGUISHED
THROUGHOUT EUROPE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BRITAIN— ORIGIN
OF THE KNIGHT TEMPLARS — THEIR PERSECUTION — ^THEIR INNOCENCE
MAINTAINED— CONNECTION BETWEEN CHIVALRY AND FREE MASONRY —
INITIATION OF THE TEMPLARS INTO THE SYRIAN FRATERNITY.
Having in the preceding Chapter finished what may properlj be
denominated the Ancient History of Free Masonry, we are now to
trace its progress from the abolition of the heathen rites, in the reign
of Theodosins, to the present day; and though the friends and enemies
of the Order seem to coincide in opinion upon this part of its history,
the materials are as scanty as before, and the incidents equally
unconnected. In those ages of ignorance and disorder which succeeded
the destruction of the Roman Empire, the minds of men were too
debased by superstition and contracted by bigotry to enter into
associations for promoting mental improvement and mutual bene-
volence. The spirit which then raged was not one of inquiry. The
motives which then influenced the conduct of men were not those
benevolent and correct principles of action which once distinguished
their ancestors, and which still distinguish their posterity. Sequestered
habits and unsocial dispositions characterised the inhabitants of Europe
in this season of mental degeneracy, while Free Masons, actuated by very
different principles, inculcate on their Brethren the duties of social inter-
course, and communicate to all within the pale of their Order the know-
ledge which they possess and the happiness which they feel. But if
science had existed in these ages, and if a desire of social intercourse
had animated the minds of men, the latter must have languished for
want of gratification as long as the former was imprisoned within the
walls of a convent by the tyntnny of superstition or the jealousy of
power. Science was in these days synonimous with heresy; and had
any bold and enlightened man ventured on philosophical investigations,
and published his discoveries to the world, he would have been regarded
as a magician by the vulgar, and punished as a heretic by the Church of
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TBK HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 27
Home. These remarks may be exemplified and confirmed by an appro-
priate instance of the interfering spirit of the Romish Church eyen in
tho sixteenth century, when learning had made considerable adyance-
ment in Europe. The celebrated Baptista Porta having, like the sage of
SamoSy trayelle<l into distant countries for scientific information, returned
to his native home and established a society which he denominated the
Academy of Secrete. He communicated the information which he had
collected to the members of this association, who in their turn imparted
to their companions the knowledge which they had indiyidually obtained.
But this little Fraternity, advancing in respectability and science, soon
trembled under the rod of ecclesiastical oppression, and experienced in
its dissolution that the Romish hierarchy was determined to check the
ardour of investigation, and retain the human mind in its former fetters
of ignorance and superstition. How then could Free Masonry flourish
when the minds of men had such an unfortunate propensity to monkish
retirement, and when every scientific and secret association was so
thoroughly overawed and persecuted 1
But though the political and intellectual condition of society was un-
favourable to the progress of Free Masonry, and though the secret
associations of the ancients were dissolved in the fifth century by the
command of the Roman Emperor, yet there are many reasons for
believing that the ancient mysteries were observed in private, long after
their public abolition, by those enemies of Christianity who were still
attached to the religion of their fathers. Some authors ^ even inform us
that this was actually the case, and that the Grecian rites existed in the
eighth century, and were never completely abolished." These consider-
ations enable us to connect the heathen mysteries with that trading
association of architects which appeared during the dark ages under the
special authority of the See of Rome.
The insatiable desire for external finery and gaudy ceremonies which
was displayed by the catholic priests in the exercise of their religion,
introduced a corresponding desire for splendid monasteries and magnifi-
cent cathedrals. But as the demand for these buildings was urgent,
and continually increasing, it was with great difficulty that artificers
could be procured even for the erection of such pious works. In
order to encourage the profession of architecture, the bishops of
Rome and the other potentates of Europe conferred on the Fraternity
the most important privileges, and allowed them to be governed by laws,
customs, and ceremonies peculiar to themselves. This association* was
^ Gibbon, vol. v, chap, xxviii, p. 110.
3 Psellas, n>(/ ^mi^uw^ Uu, ^4»^»u^t9 'ii txxn*tt Vide also Anthologia Hibornica
for January 1794, and pp. 11, 12, tupra.
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28 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
composed of men of all Nations, of Italian, Greek, French, German, and
Flemish artists, who were denominated Free Masons, and who, ranging
from one country to another, erected those elegant churches and cathe-
drals which, though they once gratified the pride and sheltered the
rites of a corrupted priesthood, now excite the notice of antiquarians
and administer to the grandeur of kingdoms. The goyernment of this
association was remarkably regular. Its members lived in a camp of
huts reared beside the building on which they were employed. A sur-
veyor or master presided over and directed the whole. Every tenth
man was called a warden, and overlooked those who were under his
charge; and such artificers as were not members of this Fraternity
were prohibited from engaging in those buildings which they alone
had a title to rear.^ It may seem strange, and perhaps inconsistent
with what we have already said, that the Fraternity of Free Masons
should have been sanctioned, and even protected by the bishops of
Rome, — secret associations being always a terror to temporal and
spiritual tyranny. But these heads of the Church, instead of approving
of Free Masonry by the encouragement and patronage which they gave
to architects, only employed them as instruments for gratifying their
vanity and satiating their ambition ; for, in after ages, when Masons
were more numerous, and when the demand for religious structures was
less urgent than before, the Roman Pontiffs deprived the Fraternity of
those very privileges which had been conferred upon them without
solicitation, and persecuted with unrelenting rage the very men whom
they had voluntarily taken into favour, and who had contributed to the
grandeur of their ecclesiastical establishment.
Wherever the catholic religion was taught, the meetings of Free
Masons were sanctioned and patronised. The principles of the Order
were even imported into Scotland," where they continued for many ages
in their primitive simplicity, long after they had been extinguished in
the continental kingdoms. In this manner Scotland became the centre
from which these principles again Issued, to illuminate not only the
Nations on the continent but every civilized portion of the habitable
world. What those causes were which continued the Societies of Fre^
Masons longer in Britain tlian in other countries it may not perhaps be
easy to determine ; but as the fact itself is unquestionably true, it must
have arisen either from some favourable circumstance in the political
^ Wren's Parentalia, or a History of the Family of Wren, pp. 306-307.
Henry's History of Great Britain, vol. vm, p. 273, book iv, chap, v, sec. 1.
Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy, p. 21.
'a.d. 1140. Vide Statistical Account of Scotland, parish of Kilwinning.
Edinbargh Magazine for April 1802.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 29
state of Britain which did not exist in the other governments of Europe,
or from the superior policy by which the British Masons eluded the
suspicion of their enemies, and the greater prudence with which they
maintained the simplicity and respectability of their Order. The for-
mer of these causes had, without doubt, a considerable share in pro-
ducing the effect under consideration ; and we know for certain that
in our own days the latter has preserved Free Masonry in a flourishing
condition throughout these United Kingdoms, while in other countries
the imprudence and foolish innovations of its members have exposed it
to the severest and justest censures, and, in many cases, to the most
violent persecutions. It is a fact requiring no confirmation, and result-
ing from the most obvious causes, that Free Masonry never flourishes in
seasons of public commotion ; and during these, even in Great Britain,
though the seat of war is commonly in foreign countries, it has univer-
sally declined. But in those lands which are the theatre of hostilities it
will be neglected in a still greater degree ; and if these hostilities are
long continued or of frequent recurrence, the very name and principles
of the Order must soon be extinguished. Amid those continual wars,
therefore, which during the middle ages distracted and desolated the
continent of Europe, the association of architects would be easily dis-
solved, while on the western coast of Scotland, in the humble village of
Kilwinning, they found a safe retreat from the violent convulsions of
continental war^
Before we detail the progress of Free Masonry after its importation
into Britain, it will be necessary to give some account of The Knight
Templars, a Fraternity of Free Masons whose affluence and virtues
aroused the envy of cotemporaries, and whose unmerited and unhappy
end must have frequently excited the compassion of posterity. To
prove that the Order of the Knight Templars was a branch of Free
Masonry would be a useless labour, as the fact has been invariably
acknowledged by Free Masons themselves, and none have been more
zealous to establish it than the enemies of their Order ;^ the former
have admitted the fact, not because it was creditable to them but because
it was true ; and the latter have supported it, because, by the aid of a little
sophistry, it might be employed to disgrace their opponents.
* Vide Bamiel's Memoirs of Jacobinism, vol. ii, p. 379-383, where this is
attempted at some length. As Barmel, however, was unacquainted with either
the observances of the Templars or those of Free Masons, he has attributed to
both many absurd rites which never existed but in his own mind. For the
samo reason he has omitted many points of resemblance, which would have
established the common opinion upon an immovable foundation.
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30 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The Order of the Knight Templars was instituted daring the
Crusades, in the year 1119, by Hugo de Payens and Godfrey de
St Omer, and received this appellation because its members originally
resided near the church in Jerusalem which was dedicated to our
Saviour. Though their professed object was to protect those Christian
pilgrims whose mistaken piety had led them to the Holy City, yet it is
almost beyond a doubt that their chief and primary intention was to
practise and preserve the rites and mysteries of Free Masonry. We
know at least that they not only possessed the mysteries, but performed
the ceremonies and inculcated the duties of Free Masons; and it is
equally certain that the practising of these rites could contribute nothing
to the protection and comfort of the catholic pilgrims. Had they pub-
licly avowed the real object of their institution, instead of that favour
which they so long enjoyed, they would have experienced the animosity
of the Church of Rome. But as they were animated with a sincere
regard for the Catholic faith, and with a decided abhorrence for the
infidel possessors of Judea, it was never once suspected that they
transacted any other business at their secret meetings but that which
concerned the regulation of their Order, the advancement of religion,
and the extirpation of its enemies. The prodigies of valour which
they exhibited against the infidels ; the many charitable deeds which
they performed lowards the distressed pilgrims ; and the virtues which
adorned their private character, procured for them from the rulers
of Europe that respect and authority to which they were so justly
entitled, and which they so long maintained. But these were not the
only rewards which they purchased by their virtues and military
prowess. From the munificence of the Popes, the generosity of the pious
princes and nobles of Europe, and from the gratitude of those wealthy
pilgrims who had experienced in the moments of distress their kind
assistance, they had acquired such immense possessions in every king-
dom of Europe, but particularly in France, that their revenues often
exceeded those of the secular princes. Thus ihdependent in their cir-
cumstances, and being fatigued with those unsuccessful struggles against
the infidels which they had maintained with such heroic courage, they
returned to their native land to enjoy in peace and quiet the recompense
of their toils. But like all men who are suddenly transported from
danger and fatigue to luxury and ease, many of them deviated from
that virtuous course which they had hitherto pursued, and indulged too
freely in those amusements to which they were invited by opulence
and impelled by inactivity. Thus, from the indiscretions of a few, the
Order lost a considerable share of those honours and that celebrity
which they had long enjoyed. But this relaxation of discipline and
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TnB HISTORY OF FREE MA80NRT. 31
attachment to luxurious indolence were the principal faults chargeable
against them j and to men of their spirit the forfeiture of popularity,
which was the consequence of their apostacy, would be a sufficient
punishment. This, however, was not the sentiment of Philip the Fair.
That rapacious monarch, instigated by private resentment, and encour-
aged by the prospect of sharing in their ample revenues,^ imprisoned
in one day all the Templars in France, merely at the instance of two
worthless members of the Order who had been disgraced and punished
by their superiors for their vices.* It was pretended by these base
accusers that the Templars abjured our Saviour, — that they spit upon
his cross, — ^that they burned their children, — and committed other
atrocities from ^vhich the mind recoils with horror, and which could
have been perpetrated only by men as completely abandoned as the
informers themselves. Under the pretence of discovering what degree
of credit might be attached to these accusations the Knights were
extended on the rack till they confessed the crimes with which they
were charged. Several of them, when stretched on this instrument of
agony, made every acknowledgment which their persecutors desired.
But others — ^retaining that fortitude and contempt of death which they
had exhibited on the field — persisted in denying the accusations, and
proclaimed with their latest breath the innocence of their Order ; and
many of those who had tamely submitted to their persecutors retracted
the ignominious confessions which the rack had extorted, and main-
tained their integrity in the midst of those flames which the barbarous
Philip kindled for their destruction. Fifty-nine of these unhappy men
were burnt alive at Paris by a slow fire ; and the same vindictive spirit
was exhibited in the other provinces of France and in the other nations
of Europe. The fortitude which in every country was displayed by
these unfortunate sufferers could have been inspired by innocence alone^
^ [His darling object was to set the power of the raoDarchy above that of the
chnrch. In his celebrated controversy with Pope Boniface, the Templars had
been on the side of the Holy See. Philip, whose animosity pursued Boniface
even heyond the grave, wished to be revenged on all who had taken his side :
moreover, the immense wealth of the Templars, which he reckoned on making
his own if he could destroy them, strongly attracted the king, who had already
tasted of the sweets of the spoliation of the Lombards and the Jews ; and he
probably also feared the obstacle to the perfect establishment of despotism
which might be ofiered by a numerous, noble, and wealthy society such as the
Templars formed. — ^Burnes's Sketch of the History of the Knight Templars,
pp. 26, 27.— E.]
3 [Squin de Flexian, who had been a Prior of the Templars, and had been ex-
pelled the Order for heresy and various vices, and Noffb Dei, " a man,*' says
Villani, « full of all iniquity."— Bumes's Sketch, p. 28.— E.]
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32 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
and is a strong proof that their minds were neither so enervated by
indolence, nor their bodies so enfeebled by luxury, as has been generally
believed. The only murmurs which escaped from their lips were those
which expressed their anguish and remorse that they had betrayed in
the hour of pain the interests of their Order, and had confessed them-
selves guilty of crimes unworthy of men and of Templars.
But the scene which was to complete their ruin and satiate the
vengeance of their enemies was yet to be enacted. Their Grand
Master, Jacques de Molay,^ and other dignitaries of the Order, still
survived; and though they had made the most submissive acknowledg-
ments which could have been desired, yet the influence which they had
over the minds of the vulgar, and their connection with many princes of
Europe, rendered them formidable and dangerous to their oppressors.
By the exertion of that influence they might restore union to their
dismembered party, and inspire them with courage to revenge the
murder of their companions ; or, by adopting a more cautious method,
they might repel by uncontrovertible proofs the charges for which they
suffered, and by interesting all men in their behalf, they might expose
Philip to the attacks of his own subjects and to the hatred and contempt
of Europe. Awaro of the danger to which his character and person
would be exposed by pardoning the survivors, the French Monarch
commanded the Grand Master and his brethren to be led out to a
scaffold erected for the purpose, and there to confess before the public
the enormities of which their Order had been guilty, and the justice of
the punishment which had been inflicted on their brethren. If they
adhered to their former confessions a full pardon was promised to them,
but if they should persist in maintaining their innocence, they were
threatened with destruction on a pile of wood which the executioners
had erected in their view to awe them into compliance. While the
multitude were standing around in awful expectation, ready from the
words of the prisoners to justify or condemn their king, the venerable
Molay, with a cheerful and undaunted countenance, advanced in chains
to the edge of the scaffold, and with a firm and impressive tone thus
addressed the spectators : — '* It is but just that in this terrible day, and
in the last moments of my life, I lay open the iniquity of falsehood, and
make truth to triumph. I declare then, in the face of heaven and earth,
and I confess to my eternal shame and confusion, that I have committed
^ [Jacques de Molay was elected Grand Master in the year 1297, and was the
second elevated to that dignity after the expulsion of the Christians from the
Holy Land. He was of an ancient family in Besanyon, Franche Campte, and
entered the Order in the year 1265.— Burnes's Sketch, p. 27, «ofe.— E.]
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TBS HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 33
the greatest of crimes; but it haa been only in acknowledging those
that have been charged with so much virulence upon an Order which
truth obliges me to pronounce innocent. I made the first declaration
thej required of me only to suspend the excessive tortures of the rack,
and mollify those that made me endure them. I am sensible what
torments they prepare for those that have courage to revoke such a
confession ; but the horrible sight which they present to my eyes is not
capable of making me confirm one He by another. On a condition so
in&mous as that I freely renounce life, which is already but too odious to
me, for what would it avail me to prolong a few miserable days when
i must owe them only to the blackest of calumnies.'* ^ In consequence
of this manly revocation, the Grand Master and his companions were
hurried into the flames, where they retained that contempt of death
which they had exhibited on former occasions in the field. This
mournful scene ej^torted tears from the most abandoned of the people.
Four valiant knights, whose charity and valour had procured them the
gratitude and applause of mankind, suffering without fear the most
cruel and ignominious death, was indeed a spectacle well calculated to
excite emotions of pity in the hardest hearts; and whatever opinion we
may entertain concerning the character of that unhappy Order, every
mind of sensibility will compassionate their fate, and denounce the
inhuman policy of Philip the Fair.
From this short and imperfect account of the origin, progress, and dis-
solution of the Knight Templars, the reader will be enabled to under-
stand the merits of the question respecting their innocence, which it is
necessary here to consider. The opinions of cotemporary writers were
too much infinenced by party spirit and religious zeal to merit any re-
gard in this investigation. All those writers,^ however, who are gene-
rally deemed impartial, and who were in no respect interested either in
their condemnation or acquittal, have without hesitation pronounced
them innocent of the charges imputed to them, and ascribed their destruc-
tion to the avarice and private resentment of Philip. In the decision of
these historians the public had in general acquiesced till their sentiments
were unsettled by the bold pretensions and the sophistical reasoning of
Barruel. This writer has charged upon them all those crimes with
which their enemies had formerly loaded them. He has attempted to
justify the severity of the French king, and has reproacl^, with the
bitterest invective, the Society of Free Masons, because they were once
^ Histoire de Chevaliers Hotipitaliers de Saint Jean de Jerusalem, par Abb$
Vertot, torn, ii, pp. 101, 102.
■ Among these we may reckon Hume, — History of England, vol. ii, p. 373 ;
Henry, — History of Britain, vol. viii ; and Vertot, «/ tupra,
3
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34 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
connected with a Fraternity which, in his opinion^ was so wicked and
profane. While we endeavour^ therefore, to defend the Templars against
these recent calumnies, we shall at the same time he maintaining the
respectahilitj of our own Order hj vindicating its memhers from that
imputed depravity which, according to Barruel, they have inherited from
their fathers.
In order to form an impartial judgment respecting any sentence which
has heen passed without proper evidence, either against individuals or
associations, it is necessary to he acquainted with the motives and
character of the accusers, and with the benefits which might accrue to
them and the judges by the punishment or liberation of the accused. In
the case before ns the latter had been disgraced and imprisoned by the
former. Sordid and private motives actuated their chief prosecutor and
judge, and many rival Orders, who had been languishing in obscurity
and indigence, propagated with assiduity slanderous accusations, in
the hope of sharing in those ample possessions and that public favour
which had been acquired by the superior abilities of the Templars. To
all ranks of men, indeed, the veneration which their name inspired
was an object of envy. Their revenues were calculated to create
uneasiness in a covetous mind, and the remarkable regularity of their
conduct was no small incitement to detraction. Such were the motives
and prospects of their judges and accusers. Let us attend now to the
accusations which were brought against them, and we shall find that
these could scarcely come under the cognizance of law, as their pretended
crimes were committed against themselves and not against society. Did
they perpetrate murder upon any of their fellow-citizens 1 This was
never laid to their charge. Did they purloin any man's treasures ? Of
theft they were never accused. Did they instigate to rebellion the sub-
jects of any Government, or plot destruction against the person of any
king? Under such a character they were never known till Barmel
called them traitors and regicides ; because, forsooth, it was his opinion
that their successors, the Free Masons of France, were accessory to the
murder of their Sovereign. What then were their crimes ? It was said
that they bnmed their own children ! And yet an instance was never
adduced in which the child of a Templar had disappeared, and in which
the tenderness of a mother, as certainly would have happened, remon-
strated against the murder of her infant. They were said to have com-
mitted upon one another the most unnatural of all crimes ! And yet no
individual produced a specific instance which he could corroborate by
indubitable proof. They were accused of insulting the Cross of Christ ;
and yet they had shed their blood in the defence of His religion. Of deeds
like these one msLj conceive a depraved individual to have been guilty ;
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THE HISTORY OF PHEE MASONRY. 35
bat to believe tbat a respectable Fraternity, consistiDg of thoasands of
members, could be ocpable of such enormities, requires a degree of faith
to which the most credulous will scarcely attain.
Their innocence, and the injustice of Philip, will be still more apparent
by considering the conduct of the latter, as related even by Barruel.
This writer observes, " That two men who had been imprisoned for their
crimes declared that they had some important discoveries to make con-
cerning the Knight Templars, and that this declaration, though entitled
to little credit, made the king determine on the dissolution of the Order,
and arrest in one day all the Templars in his kingdom.**^ Here then,
at the very outset, was the most flagrant injustice. Without summon-
ing a single witness, without examining a single Knight, without con-
sulting a single friend, without even knowing what the important dis-
coveries were which the criminals had to make, the French king deter-
mined on the destruction of an Order whose Grand Master had been his
particular friend, and even the godfather of one of his children.' This
latter circumstance, indeed, is brought forward by Barruel to justify the
conduct of Philip, becaose he sacrificed the duties of friendship to the
principles of justice ; but, taken in connection with the other parts of
his conduct, it says little for either the head or the heart of that
unscrupulous monarch.
Such being the premature and precipitate determination of Philip, we
may consider the Order as at that time dissolved, and regard all those
examinations, inquiries, confessions, trials, and councils which succeeded,
as mere phantoms of justice, conjured up by that crafty prince to dazzle
the eyes of his subjects, and sanctify the depravity of his own conduct.
By keeping this circumstance in view, the intelligent reader will be
enabled to understand the minute though sometimes contradictory details
of historians respecting the trial and confessions of the Templars ; and^
notwithstanding the veil of justice with which the judges attempted to
cover their proceedings, he will be aided in developing those detest-
able principles upon which their trial was conducted, and the despicable
motives which induced Clement the Fifth to partake in the guilt of
Philip the Fair.
The most formidable, and indeed the only plausible argument by
which Barruel supports his opinions, is drawn from the confessions of
the Templars. He maintains that these were free from compulsion, and
that no set of men could be so base as to accuse their Brethren of crimes
of which they believed them to be entirely innocent. But the fallacy
of his reasoning will manifest itself upon the slightest reflection. It is
a curious, though unquestionable fact, that when an avowal must be
^ Memoirs of Jacobinism, vol. ii, p. 364. ' Ibid, vol. ii, p. 366.
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36 TQB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
made, men are more ready to accuse themselves of actions of which
they have never heen guilty than to confess those which they have
actually committed. Such as have attended to the operation of their
own minds, particularly in the earlier part of life, will acquiesce in this
extraordinary truth ; and those who have not had occasion to observe
it, will find, upon consideration, that it is consonant to the constitution
of the human mind. When a man confesses himself guilty of a crime
which he has really perpetrated, he is exposed not only to the reproaches
of his own conscience but to those of the world, and should he at any
time retract his confessions he must be aware that every subsequent
inquiry would only confirm the truth of his first deposition. But when
a man, from a principle of fear, acknowledges the truth of accusations
with which he is unjustly charged, a sense of his integrity and inno-
cence supports him under the opprobrium of the world ; he is conscious
that his character will be vindicated by every investigation, and that
the confessions which he has made may at any time be proved to have
been the offspring of necessity. Such undoubtedly were the feelings by
which the Templars were actuated. Convinced that the crimes which
they were required to acknowledge were of such an unnatural kind that
they could never be imputed to them by any reasonable man, they
yielded to the solicitations of their persecutors, in the well-grounded
assurance that future inquiry would remove the stain which the irresist-
ible desire of self-preservation had prompted them to throw upon their
character. From this very consideration indeed, namely, from the
nature of the crimes charged upon them, many eminent historians have
maintained their innocence. But were we even to allow, with Barruel,
in opposition to all history, that their avowals were entirely voluntary,
wo would from that circumstance, by an application of the principles
already laid down, prove not the guilt but the innocence of the Order.
It is not, however, upon speculative principles alone that we can
account for their confessions and subsequent recantations. There are
fortunately some historical facts which furnish a rational explanation of
their conduct, but which Barruel, either from ignorance or design, has
totally overlooked. About the commencement of the persecution,
Molay, the Grand Master, had been examined at Paris. From the
causes which we have already explained, but particularly from a
dread of those torments to which an obstinate avowal of his inno-
cence would expose hira, he made every confession which his perse-
cutors demanded ; and at the same time he transmitted circular letters
to an immense number of his Brethren, requesting them to make the
same confessions with himself/ for it was only by submissive conduct
^ HuBtoire do Chevaliers Hospitaliers, par Abbtf Vertot, torn, n, p. 86.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 37
that they could hope to disarm the fury of their enemies and arert the
hlow with which their Order was threatened. Agreeably to the request
of Molay, many of the Templars made the same acknowledgments; while
others, whose morality was more inflexible, and whose courage was
more undaunted, disdained to do evil that good might come, and perse-
vered unto death in the avowal of their own innocence and that of their
companions, Molay, however, and those who had followed his example,
soon perceived that though their admissions had protected them from
injury as individuals, they had nevertheless rather inflamed the rage of
Philip against the Order generally; and being now convinced that their
acknowledgments had produced an effect opposite to what they expected,
they boldly retracted their former avowals, and adopted that intrepid line
of conduct of which we have already given a brief outline. There is
another circumstance connected with this part of our subject which,
though not taken notice of by historians, is well deserving of the reader's
attention. It is asserted by all cotemporary writers, whether the
friends or adversaries of the Templars, that all those who maintained
their innocence were condemned either to death or to a punishment
equally severe ; while all who confessed, and adhered to their confes-
sions, were either completely acquitted, or sentenced to a few days'
&sting and prayer, or a short imprisonment.^ It is allowed also by
these historians, and even by Barruel, that a very considerable number
were altogether ignorant of the crimes perpetrated by the others, and
that some who were privy to them were not partakers in their guilt.
In which class, then, are we to rank these innocent men 1 Among those
who snflcred, or among those who were saved? If among the former,
their enemies were guilty of the most flagrant injustice and cruelty in
consuming the innocent on the same pile with the guilty. If among
the latter, they must have been compelled to confess themselves guilty
of crimes of which they were entirely innocent.
In order to show that the confessions were voluntary and not
extorted, Barruel is obliged to deny facts which are admitted by every
historian. But lest his readers should not be so sceptical on that point
as himself, he takes care to inform them that the bishops declared that
all those whose confessions were extorted by the rack should be regarded
as innocent, and that no Templar should be subject to it : That Clement
the Fifth rather favoured them, and that he sent the most venerable
persons to interrogate those whose age and infirmities prevented them
from appearing before him. But who, pray, were those aged and infirm
Templars to whom Clement is so compassionate ? Were they men who
* Some of them ovon received pensions for their confessions. Vertot, torn.
II, p. 91.
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38 THE HlSTOkY OP ]t*R£& MASON Rt.
vere smartiDg under diseases inflicted by the hand of Providence 1
Were they men whose aged limbs were anfit for the ftitigaes of a joamejy
or whose grey hairs had excited the pity of the Roman Pontiff? No !
They were a few undaunted Knights^ whom the blood-extorting screws
of their tormentors had tortured and disabled, whose flesh had been
lacerated on the rack, and whose bones had been disjointed or broken
on the wheel. These are the men who, in the language of the abore
writer, were prevented by their age and infirmities from travelling to
Poictiers, or who, in the more simple style of the Pope himself, were
Unable to ride on horMbacky or to hear any other method of convej/ance
whatsoever. Such was ihat mildness of Clement which Barruel applauds I
And such too, we may add, is the integrity of Barruel.
Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the character of our ancestors
from the accusations of their enemies, h is necessary to make a few
remarks respecting the ceremonial observances which are attributed to
them and their posterity by the author of the Memoirs of Jacobinism.
BAt this, our opponents well know, is ground on which Free Masona
are prohibited to enter by the rules of their Order. It is here, conse-
quently, that the most numerous, and apparently the most successful
attacks have been made, for we can be provided with no means of
defence without laying open the mysteries ef the Fraternity. Conscious
of the disadvantages under which we labour, our adversaries have
invented the most £rightfal and foolish ceremonies, and imposed ihem
upon the world as those of Free Masonry; among these may be
reckoned those rites and oaths which Barruel ascribes to the Templar»
and their posterity, but which, we solemnly aver, have no connection
with either the one or the other ; and were we permitted to divulge
the whole of our ritual system, many who have duped the public
by deceitful information would stand abashed at their conduct, while
others who have confided therein would be astonished at the extent
of their credulity. Then might Free Masons defy, as they have
done on every other point, the fabrications of the malicious and
the conjectures of the ignoiant; then, too, might they mock at the
ingenuity of the wise. But as they are bound to preserve from public
view the rites of their Order, it is highly disingenuous to assail them in
a quarter where resistance is impossible, and where every unprincipled
man may triumph wiih impunity. Is not this to assassinate an enemy
with his hands tied behind his back 1 Is not this to reproach a foe who
is deprived of the power of reply ?
But there is another important consideration which, while it points
out in a more striking manner the disingenuity of such conduct, should
at the same time incite the candid inquirer to reject every calumny
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MABONRT. 39
against secret associatioDS, arising from reports concerning their rites
and ceremonies. If ever the secrets of Free Masonry were betrayed
they must have been betrayed by men who were completely destitute of
religious principle, who paid no respect to those ties which unite the
members of civil as well as secret associations ; who, in short, neither
feared God nor regarded man. Suppose then that a person pretending
to be a Free Mason offered to communicate either to an individual or to
the public the rites and ceremonies of his Order. What degree of credit
should men of probity attach to the information which they might in
this way receive 1 A person addresses them under the character of a
perjurer, offering to violate the most solemn engagements, and to divulge
mysteries which have been concealed for ages. He may give them accu-
rate information, or he may not. If the secrets which he offers to betray
have been hitherto unknown, there is no possible method of ascer-
taining the truth of his deposition, and it is rather to be suspected that
he will dupe his hearers by a fictitious narrative than trample upon an
engagement guarded by the most awful sanctions. He might indeed
confirm by an oath the truth of his asseveration, but as he must have
violated an oath equally solemn, no man of sense will give him the
slightest credit. But granting that he really divulges the rites and
ceremonies of Free Masonry, it is either clear that he has not under-
stood their true import, or at least that they have made no impression
upon his mind ; and it is almost certain, therefore, that from ignorance or
misapprehension of their meaning, he will exhibit under an aspect cal-
culated to excite ridicule, that which, if properly explained, would com-
mand respect. If, then, it be so difficult for the uninitiated to discover
those secrets, and still more so to ascertain their signification if they
should discover them, what must we think of those who open their ears
to every slanderous tale against Free Masons, which unprincipled indi-
viduals may impose upon their credulity? What must we think of
those who reproach and vilify us upon the doubtful statements of cunning
and interested men t We appeal to the impartial reader if they are not
equally base with the informers themselves.
Such are some of the considerations by which we would attempt to
repel those charges and distorted fa«ts with which Barruel has calum-
niated the character and disfigured the history of the Templars. They
will be sufficient, we hope, to remove those erroneous impressions which
the perusal of the Memoirs of Jacobinism may have left upon the reader's
mind ; but although we have adopted the opinion of those who maintain
their innocence, we cannot coincide with them in believing that, as indi-
viduals, they were totally exempt from blame. They were possessed
of the same corrupted nature, and influenced by the same passions as
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40 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
their fellow-meD; and were unquestioDably exposed to stronger and more
numerous temptationa Some of them, therefore, may have been guilty
of crimes^ and these, too, of an aggravated kind, which by a strange
though not bncommon mistake^ may have been transferred to their
Order. But it was never proved that they Were traitors, child-mar^
derers, regicides, and infidels. A certain class of historians, indeed,
have imputed to them such iniquities, and when unable to establish their
assertions have fixed upon them the more probable charges of drunken-
ness and debauchery. But amidst all these accusations we hear nothing
of that valour which first raised them to pre-eminence ; nothing of that
oharity and beneficenee which procured them the respectof cotemporaries;
nothing of that fortitude and patience which most of them exhibited
on the rack and in the flames. In their case it has been too true that
The evil which men do lives after them ;
The good is oft interred with their bones.
But allowing them to be as guilty as their enemies have represented/
tipon what principles of sound reasoning or common sense does
Barruel transfer their guilt to the Fraternity of Free Masons ? Is it .
absolutely necessary that the son should inherit the bodily diseases and
the mental debility of his forefathers ? or is it fair that one Order, pro-
posing to itself the same object, and instituted upon the same principles
as another, should be charged also with the same crimes 7 Certainly
not. If virtue and vice were hereditary qualities we might arrogate to
ourselves much honour from our connection with the Templars j but as
we have not been applauded for their virtues, we should not be re-
proached for their crimes. But the reasoning of Barruel is as repugnant
to the dictates of experience as it is to those of common sense. Were not
the inhabitants of England at one period fanatics, rebels, and regicides ?
But where now is the Nation that is more liberal in its religion and more
steady in its loyalty ! Did not the French at one time torture, bi^m,
and massacre their fellow-citizens, from the fury of their religious zeal
and the strength of their attachment to the Catholic communion ? But
what Nation is at present less influenced by religions principles, and less
attached to the Church of Rome ! Did not the rulers of France at one
time torment and assassinate hundreds of the Templars because they
deemed them infidels, traitors, and regicides 1 And have we not seen,
in these latter days, the rulers of France themselves infidels, traitors, and
regicides i If, however, the impartial reader should upon farther
inquiry give credit to the guilt of the Templars, in order to remove the
imputed stain which has been transferred to Free Masons it may be
Bufilcient to address him in the words of the poet,
Tempora mutaniur, et nos mutamnr in illis.
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TH£ HISTORY OF FUEB MASONRY. 41
Abontr the time of the Knight Templars, Chivalry bad attained its
highest perfection. It had its existence indeed prior to this period, but
as it continued to influence the minds of men long after the destruction
of that Order, we have deferred its consideration till the present stage of
our history. When it made its first appearance the moral and political
condition of Europe Was in every respect deplorable. The religion of
Jesus existed only in name. A degrading superstition had usurped its
place, threatening ruin to the reason and the dignity of man. The
political rights of the lower orders were sacrificed to the interests of the
higher. War was carried on with a degree of savage cruelty, equalled
only by the sanguinary contentions of beasts of prey, — no clemency
was shown to the vanquished, — no humanity to the captive. The
female sex were sunk below their natural level, were doomed to the
most laborious occupations, and were deserted and despised by the very
sex on whose protection and sympathy they have so natural a claim.
To remedy these disorders, a few intelligent and pious men formed an
association whose membem obligated themselves to defend the Christian
religion, to practise its morals, to protect widows and orphans, and to
decide judicially, and not by arms, the disputes that might arise about
their goods or effects. It was from this body undoubtedly that chivalry
arose^^ and not, as some think, from the public investiture with arms,
which was customary among the ancient Germans. But whatever was
its origin, it produced a considerable change in the opinions and customs
of society. It could not indeed eradicate that ignorance and depravity
which engendered those evils that we have already enumerated. It
softened however the ferocity of war. It restored woman to that
honourable rank which she now possesses, and which at all times she
was entitled to hold. It inspired those sentiments of generosity, sym-
pathy, and friendship which have contributed so much to the civilization
of the world, and introduced that principle of honour which, though f&T
from being a laudable motive to action, often checks the licentious when
moral and religious considerations would make no impression upon their
minds. Such was its origin, and such the blessings which it imparted.
That it was a branch of Free Masonry may be inferred from a variety
of considerations, — ^from the consent of those who have made the deepest
researches into the one, and who were intimately acquainted with the
spirit, rites, and ceremonies of the other. They were both ceremonial
institutions, and important precepts were communicated to the members
of each for the regulation of their conduct as men and as brethren. Its
ceremonies, like those of Free Masonry, though unintelligible to the
^ BoutainTilliers on the Ancient Parliaments of France, Letter 5 ; quoted in
Brydson's Summary View of Heraldry, pp. 24, 25, 26.
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42 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
ynlgar, were always symbolical of some important truths. The object
of both Societies was the same, and the members boand themselves by
an oath to promote it with ardour and zeal. In chivalry there were also
different degrees of honour through which the youth were obliged to
pass before they were invested with the dignity of knighthood ; and the
Knights, like Free Masons, were formed into Fraternities or Orders,
distinguished by different appellations. ^
From these circumstances of resemblance we do not mean to infer that
Chivalry was Free Masonry under another name, we mean only to show
that the two were intimately connected ; that the former took its origin
from the latter, and borrowed from it not only some of its ceremonial
observances but the leading features and the general outline of its con-
stitution. These points of similarity, indeed, are in some cases so striking
that several learned men have affirmed that Free Masonry was a secondary
Order of Chivalry, and derived its origin from the usages of that institu-
tion ;' but by what process of reasoning these authors arrive at this
conclusion it is impossible to conjecture. The only argument which
they adduce is the similarity of the institutions ; but they do not con-
sider that this proves with equal force that Free Masonry is the parent
of Chivalry. We have already shown that there were many secret
societies among the ancients, particularly that of the Dionysian architects,
which resembled Free Masonry in everything but the name; and it
requires no proof that this brotherhood arose many hundred years before
the existence of chivalry. If then there are points of resemblance
between the institution we have been comparing, we must consider
Free Masonry as the fountain and Chivalry only as the stream. The
one was adapted to the habits of intelligent artists, and could flourish
only in times of civilization and peace ; the other was accommodated to
the dispositions of a martial age, and could exist only in seasons of
ignorance and war. With these observations, indeed, the history of both
societies entirely corresponds. In the enlightened ages of Greece and
Rome, when Chivalry was unknown. Free Masonry flourished under the
sanction of government and the patronage of intelligent men. But during
the reign of Gothic ignorance and barbarity which followed the destruc-
tion of Imperial Rome, Free Masonry languished in obscurity, while
Chivalry succeeded in its place, and proposed to accomplish the same
object by different means, which, though more rough and violent, were
better suited to the manners of the age. And when science and litera-
1 Brydson's Summary View of Heraldry, jpcwnwi.
" Chevalier Ramsay. Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy, p. 39. Leydeti's
Preliminary Dissertation to the Compbiynt of Scotland, pp. 67, 71 ; and tho
Preface to the sixth edition of Guiilim's Display of Heraldry.
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THE HisTOtty oP PUeM MASONRV. 43
tare reviyed in Europe, and scattered those olouds of ignorance and
barbarism with which she had been overshadowed^ Chivalrj decayed
along with the manners that gate it birth, while Free Masonry arose
with increasing splendour, and advanced with the same pace as civilisa-
tion and refinement The connection between them is excellently
exemplified in the Knight Templars. It is well known that this was
an Order of Chivalry, and that the members thereof performed its cere-
monies atid were influenced by its precepts; and we know that they
were also initiated into the mysteries, regulated by the maxims, and
practised the rites of Free Masonry.^ But though they then existed in
a double capacity, it must be evident to all .who study their history that
their Masonic character chiefly predominated; and that they deduced
the name of their institution and their external observances from the .
Usages of chivalry to conceal from the Roman Pontiff their primary
object, and to hold their secret meetings free from suspicion or alarm.
About this time, indeed, the Church of Rome sanctioned the Fraternity
of Operative Masons, aild allowed them to perform their ceremonies
without molestation or fear. But this clemency^ as we have already
observed, was a matter of necessity ;' and the same interested motive
which prompted his Holiness to patronise that trading association, could
never influence him to countenance the duplicity of the Templars, or
permit them to exist in their Masonic capacity. It was the discovery,
indeed, of their being Free Masons, of their assembling secretly, and
performing ceremonies to which no stranger was admitted, that occa-
sioned those calamities which befel them. It will no doubt appear
surprising to some readers that such zealous defenders of the Catholic
religion should practise the observances of a body which the Church of
Rome has always persecuted with the bitterest hostility. But their
surprise will cease, when they are informed that about the middle of the
eighteenth century, when Free Masonry was prohibited in the Eccle-
siastical States by a papal bull, the members of the Romish church
adopted the same plan, and, being firmly attached to the principles and
practice of the Fraternity, established what they called a new associa^
tion, into which they professed to admit nqne but zealous abettors of the
papal hierarchy. In this manner, by flattering the pride of the church
they eluded its vigilance, and preserved the spirit of Free Masonry by
merely changing its name, and professing to make it subservient to the
interests of the Pontificate.
Before leaving this subject, it may be interesting to some readers, and
necessary for the satisfe-ction of others, to show in what manner the
Knight Templars became depositaries of the Masonic mysteries. We
1 Vide pp. 29, 30, tupra. ■ Vide pp. 27, 28, wupra.
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44 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
have already seen tbat almost all the secret associations of the ancients
either flourished or originated in Syria and the adjacent countries. It
was here that the Dionysian artists, the Essenes, and the Kasideans
arose. From this country also came several members of the trading
commnnity of Masons which appeared in Europe during the dark
ages;^ and we are assured that notwithstanding the unfavourable con-
dition of that province, there exists at this day one of these Syriao
Fraternities on Mount Libanus.' As the Order of the Knight Templars
therefore was originally formed iu Syria, and existed there for a con*
siderable time, it is no improbable supposition that they received their
Masonic knowledge from the Lodges in that quarter. But in this case
we are fortunately not left to conjecture, as we are expressly informed
,by a foreign author,' who was well acquainted with the history and
customs of Syria, that they were actually members of the Syriao
Fraternities.
^ Mr Clinch, who appears not to have been acquainted with this fact,
supposes that Free Masonry was introduced into Europe hy means of the
Gypsies. Anthologia Hibernica for April 1794. There was such an intimate
connection between Asia and Europe in the time of the Crusades, that the
customs and manners of the one must in some measure have been transferred
to the other.
" Anthologia Hibernica for April 1794.
' Adler de Drusis Montis LibanL — Rome 1786.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 45
CHAPTER III.
PROGRESS OF FREE MASONRY IN BRITAIN. INTRODUCED INTO SCOTLAND.
— CAUSES OP ITS DECLINE. HISTORY OF IN THE REION OF HENRY
VI. HISTORY OF IN SCOTLAND FROM JAMES I. TO VI.— OFFICE OF
HEREDITARY GRAND MASTER CONFERRED UPON THE ST CLAIRS OF
R08LIN. — RESIGNATION OF BY WILLIAM ST CLAIR IN 1736.
Hating compared Free Masonry with those Secret Associations which
arose during the dark ages, let us now direct our attention to its pro-
gress in Britain after it was extinguished in the other kingdoms of the
Continent. We have already seen that a trading Fraternity of Free
Masons existed in Europe during the middle ages, — that many special
favours were conferred upon them hy the Roman See, — that they had
the exclusive privilege of erecting those magnificent buildings which
were reared by the pride of the Church of Rome, and endowed by the
misguided zeal of its members, — that several Masons travelled into
Scotland about the beginning of the twelfth century, and imported into
that country the principles and ceremonies of their Order^ — and we
have accounted for the preservation of this association in Britain after
its total dissolution on the Continent.^
^ In addition to the reasons already given, another might have been adduced,
which without doubt operated very powerfully in the preservation of Free
Masonry in Britain. The first Lodges in this country were certainly com-
posed of foreigners, who, when the patronage of the Church was with-
drawn from them, were probably unable or unwilling to undergo the danger
and expense of returning to their homes by sea. The Lodges of which they
undoubtedly were the leading members would on this account continue in a
more flourishing condition, as the foreign members would find it their interest
to connect themselves with the inhabitants by the ties of a Brothei^Mason,
when they had no claim upon their afii^ctions as fellow-countrymen. But the
case was quite different with Continental Lodges, which were entirely com-
posed of artists from every country ou the Continent, for when the Church of
Rome had no farther occasion for their services they would return to their
respective homes, and Free Masonry would soon decay when her supporters
were dispersed and her Lodges forsaken.
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46 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
That Free Masonry was introduced into Scotland by those architects
who bnilt the Abbey of Kilwinning is evident, not only from those
authentic documents by which the existence of the Kilwinning Lodge
has been traced back as far as the end of the fifteenth century, but by
other collateral arguments which amount almost to a demonstration. In
every country where the temporal and spiritual jurisdiction of the Pope
was acknowledged, there was a continual demand, particularly during
the twelfth century, for religious structures, and consequently for opera-
tive Masons, proportionate to the piety of the inhabitants and the
opulence of their ecclesiastical establishment; and there was no kingdom
in Europe where the zeal of the inhabitants for Popery was more ardent
— the kings and nobles more liberal to the cler^— or the Church more
richly endowed than in Scotland.^ The demand, therefore, for elegant
cathedrals and ingenious artists must have been proportionably greater
here than in other countries, and that demand could be supplied only
from the trading associations on the Continent. When we consider, in
addition to these facts, that this Society monopolized the building of all
the religious edifices in Christendom, we are authorised to conclude that
those numerous and elegant ruins, which still adorn various parts of Scot-
land, were erected by foreign Masons who introduced into this island
the customs of their Order.
It was probably about this time also that Free Masonry was intro-
duced into England ; but whether the English received it from the
Scotch masons at Kilwinning, or from other Brethren who had arrived
from the Continent, there is no method of determining. The Fraternity
in England, however, maintain that St Albau, the proto -martyr, was the
first who brought Masonry to Britain, about the end of the third cen-
tury; that the Brethren received a charter from King Athelstane, and
that his brother Edwin summoned all the Lodges to meet at York, which
formed the first Grand Lodge of England.^ But these are merely asser-
tions, not only incapable of proof from authentic history, but incon-
sistent also with several historical events which rest upon indubitable
evidence.' In support of these opinions, indeed, it is alleged that no
other Lodge has laid claim to greater antiquity than that of the Grand
Lotlge at York, and that its jurisdiction over the other Lodges in
England has been invariably acknowledged by the whole Fraternity.
But this argument only proves that York was the birth-place of Free
^ The Church possessed above one-half of the property in the kingdom.
Robertson's History of Scotland, Books if and in.
' A.D. 926. Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, p. 148. Smith's Use and
Abuse of Free Masonry, p. 61. Free Masons' Kalendar, 1778.
■ Dr Plot's Natural History of Staffordshire, chap, viii, pp. 316 318.
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TBfi HISTORY OF FREE MASOMRT. 47
Masoniy in England. It brings no additional evidence in support of
the improbable stories abont St Alban, Athelstane, and Edwin. If the
antiquity of Free Masonry in Britain can be defended only by the
invention of silly and uninteresting stories, it does not deserve to be
defended at all. Those who invent and propagate such tales do not
surely consider that they bring discredit upon their Order by the warmth
of their zeal ; and that, by supporting what is false, they deter thinking
men from believing what is true.
After the establishment of the Kilwinning and York Lodges the
principles of Free Masonry were rapidly diffused throughout both king-
doms, and several Lodges were erected in different parts of the island.
As all these derived their authority and existence from the two Mother
Lodges, they were likewise under their jurisdiction and control; and
when any differences arose which were connected with the art of build-
ing, they were referred to the general meetings of the Fraternity, which
were always held at Kilwinning and York. In this manner Free
Masonry flourished for a time in Britain when it was completely
abolished in every other part of the world. But even here it was
doomed to suffer a long and serious decline, and to experience those
alternate successions of advancement and decay which mark the history
of every human institution. And though, during several centuries after
its importation into this country, the Brethren held their public assem-
blies, and were sometimes prohibited from meeting by the interference
of the legislature, it can scarcely be said to have attracted general
attention till the beginning of the seventeenth century. The causes of
this remarkable obstruction to its progress are by no means difficult to
discover. In consequence of the important privileges which the Order
received from the Church of Rome, many chose the profession of an
architect, which, though at all times an honourable employment, was
particularly so during the middle ages. On this account the body of
operative Masons increased to such a degree, and the necessity for reli-
gious edifices was so much diminished, that a more than sufficient
number could at any time be procured for supplying the demands of the
Church and of pious individuals. And there being now no scarcity of
architects, the chief reason which prompted the Church to protect the
Fraternity no longer existed; consequently she withdrew from them
that patronage and those favours which she had spontaneously proffered,
and denied them even the liberty of holding their secret assemblies —
the unalienable privilege of every free-bom community. But these were
not the only causes which produced such a striking change in the con-
duct of the Church. We have already mentioned that the spirit of the
Order was hostile to the principles of the Church of Rome. The inten-
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48 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Hon of the one was to enlighten the mind, the object and policy of the
other to retain it in ignorance ; when Free Masonry flourished, the power
of the Chnrch must have decayed. The jealousy of the latter, there-
fore, was aroused ; and as the civil power in England and Scotland was
almost always in the hands of ecclesiastics, the Church and the State
were both combined against the principles and practice of Masonry. ^
Along with these causes, the domestic and bloody wars which convulsed
the two kingdoms, from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century, con-
spired in a great degree to produce that decline for which we have been
attempting to account.
But notwithstanding these unfovourable circumstances, Free Masonry
seems to have flourished, and attracted the attention of the public in the
reign of Henry VI, who, when a minor, ascended the throne of England
in 1 422. In the third year of his reign, indeed, the parliament passed
a severe Act against the Fraternity, at the instigation of Henry Bean-
fort, Bishop of Winchester, who was then intrusted with the education
of the young king. It enacted that the Masons should no longer
hold their chapters and annual assemblies, — that those who summoned
them should be considered as felons, — and those who resorted to them
should be fined and imprisoned ; > but it would appear that this Act
was never put in execution, as a Lodge was held at Canterbury in
the year 1429, under the patronage of the Archbishop himself." When
Henry was able to take into his hands the government of his kingdom,
and to form an opinion respecting the use and tendency of the Fraternity,
he not only permitted them to hold their meetings without molestation, but
honoured their Lodges by his presence. Before he was initiated, however,
he seems to have examined with scrupulous care the nature of the insti-
tution, and to have carefully perused the charges and regulations of the
Order as collected from their ancient records. These facts are contained in
a record written in the reign of his successor, Edward IV, and confirmed
^ As a proof of the hostility of the Church of Rome to secret associations
which aimed at the enlightenment of the mind, we mentioned (p. 27, supra,) its
treatment of the Academy of Secrets, instituted in the sixteenth century, for
the advancement of physical science. When a local and temporary institntion
thus drew down the vengeance of the Roman See, what must have been its con-
duct to a Lodge of Free Masons f A farther account of the Academy of Secrets
may be found in Priestley's History of Vision, vol. ii.
* 3 Henry YI, cap. 1, a.o. 1425 ; vide Ruffhead's Statutes. Dr Plot's
Natural History of Staffordshire, chap, viii, p. 318.
■ Manuscript Register of William Molart, Prior of Canterbury, p. 28, enti-
tled ** Liberatio generalU Domini Gulielmi, prior it EccUsia Ckritti CantuarensiSy erga
futum naUUit Domini, 1429.'* In this Register are mentioned the names of the
masters, wardens, and other members of the Lodge.
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THE HISTORY OF FBBB MASONRY. 49
by a mannscript in Henry's own handwriting, which is familiar to every
person who has stadied the history of our Order. ^ This manascript
consists of questions and answers concerning the natnre and tendency
of Free Masonry, and seems to be the result of the king's examination
of some of the Brethren before he became a member of the Fraternity.
It was first procured from the Bodleian Library by the celebrated Mr
Locke, who transmitted it to the Earl of Pembroke, with several excel-
lent explanatory notes.' In the title it is said to have been faithfully
copied from the handwriting of Henry VI by John Leland, antiquarian,
who, according to Mr Locke, was the well-known antiquary of that
name who lived in the sixteenth century, and was appointed by Henry
yill, at the dissolution of monasteries, to search for and save such
books as were worthy of preservation. As this manuscript was
originally printed at Frankfort, we were led to inquire upon what
grounds the explanatory notes, and the letter to the Earl of Pem-
broke which accompanies them, were believed to be the production of
Mr Locke, when we found that this had been uniformly taken for
granted by every writer upon the subject, though the circumstance la
not mentioned in the folio edition of his works. The style of the letter,
however, and the acuteness of the annotations, resemble so much that
philosopher's manner of writing, and the letter is so descriptive of his
real situation at the time it was written, that it is almost impossible to
deny their authenticity. In the letter itself, which is dated 6th May
1696, he remarks that he composed the notes for the sake of Lady
Masham, who was become very fond of Masonry, and that the mana«
^ Hitherto we have been careful to bring forward no facts upon the sole
evidence of the Records, or the opinions of Free Masons ; such evidence,
indeed, can never satisfy the minds of the uninitiated public. But when these
Records contain facts, the fabrication of which could be of no service to the
Fraternity, they may in that case be entitled to credit ; or when facts which
reflect honour upon the Order are confirmed by evidence from another
quarter, the authority of the Record entitles them to a still greater degree of
credit With respect to the facts mentioned in the text, we have not merely
the authority of the Record and Manuscript alluded to, but we have proof that
there was no collusion in fhe case, for the Record is mentioned in the Book of
Constitutions by Dr Anderson, who had neither seen nor heard of the Manu-
script.
' This Manuscript was first printed at Frankfort in 1748, and afterwards re-
printed in the London and Gentleman's Magazines for 1753. It may be seen
in the lives of Leland, Heame, and Wood, — Oxford, 1772, voL i, pp. 96, 104^
Appendix, No. viii ; Dennett's Ahiman Rezon, pp. xxxii-xlii ; and Preston's
Illustrations of Masonry, p. 110, [to which is appended a Glossary of obsolete
words, and an admirable commentary upon the Manuscript and Mr Locke's
Annotations. — ^E.]
4
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50 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
script had so much excited his .own curiosity that he was determined to
enter the Fraternity the next time he went to London, which, he adds,
will he very soon. Now at this time he was residing at Oates, the
country seat of Sir Francis Masham, as appears from one of his letters
to Mr Molyneux, dated Oates, SOth March 1696 ; and it appears
that he actually went to London a short time after the 6th of May,
for another letter to the same gentleman is dated London, 2d July
1696.^ Notwithstanding these facts, Dr Plot maintains tliat Free
Masonry was not patronised hy Henry VI,' and that those who have
supported a diffarent opinion were ignorant of the laws and chronicles
of their own country. Dr Plot may have heeu a good chemist and
natural historian, hut when our readers hear upon what foundation
he has estahlished his opinion, they will agree with us in thinking
that he was a had logician. He ohseryes that an Act was passed in
the king's minority prohibiting all general assemblies and chapters of
Free Masons, and that as this Act was not repealed till 1562, by 5th
Elizabeth, cap. 4, it was impossible that Free Masonry could be patron-
ised in the same reign in which it was prohibited. The fact is, that the
Act was not repealed by 5th Elizabeth, cap. 4, which does not contain a
single word about Free Masons. If Dr Plot's argument therefore proves
any thing, it would prove that Free Masonry has not been patronised
since the reign of Henry VI, for that Act has never yet been repealed.
But supposing that it was repealed, the prohibitory statute in Henry's
reign might never have been put in execution, as very often happens ;
and Dr Plot himself remarks, that the Act 5th Elizabeth was not
observed. It is plain, therefore, that instead of being impossible, it is
highly probable that King Henry pationised the Fraternity. When
they were persecuted by his parliament he was only three years of age,
and could neither approve nor disapprove of its sentence ; and it was
very natural that when he came to the years of maturity he should
undo what his parliament had dishonourably done.
While Free Masonry was flourishing in England under the auspices
of Henry VI, it was at the same time patronised in our own country by
James I. By the authority of this monarch every Grand Master who
was chosen by the Brethren, either from the nobility or clergy, and
approved of by the Crown, was entitled to an annual revenue of four
pounds Scots from each Master Mason, and likewise to a fee at the
initiation of every new member. He was empowered to adjust any
differences that might arise among the Brethren, and to regulate those
affairs connected with the Fraternity which it was improper to bring
^ Locke's Works, folio, vol. in.
' Natural Hislorjr of Stafibrdshire, cap. viii, p* 318.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MABONRY. 51
under the cognizance of the coarts of law. The Grand Master also
appointed Depnties or Wardens, who resided in the chief towns of
Scotland, and managed the concerns of the Order, when it was incon-
Tenient to appeal to the Grand Master himself. ^
In the reign of James II, the office of Grand Master was granted by
the Crown to William St Clair, Earl of Orkney and Caithness, Baron of
Roslin, fonnder of the mnch admired chapel of Koslin. On account of
the attention which this nobleman paid to the interests of the Order, and
the rapid propagation of the royal art under his administration, the king
made the office of Grand Master hereditary to his heirs and successors in
the barony of Roslin ; in which family it continued till the institution
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The Barons of Roslin, as hereditary
Grand Masters of Scotland, held their principal annual meetings at
Kilwinning, the birth-place of Scotch Masonry, while the Lodge of
that Tillage granted constitutions and charters of erection to those
Brethren who were anxious that regular Lodges should be formed in
different parts of the kingdom. These Lodges all held of the Lodge of
Kilwinning, and in token of their respect and submission joined to
their own name that of their Mother Lodge, from whom they derived
their existence as a corporation. '
During the succeeding reigns Free Masonry still progressed, though
little reliable information can be procured respecting the particular
state of the Fraternity, " In the Privy Seal Book of Scotland however,
there is a letter by King James VI, dated at '' Halyruidhouse, 25th
September 1590,*' granting '' to Patrick Copland of Udaught," the right
of '' using and exercising the office of ' Wardanrie' over the art and craft
of Masonrie, over all the boundis of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine ;
to had wardan and justice courts within the said boundis, and there to
minister justice." ^ This letter confirms what has been already said
* Vide Appendix, No. II.
' Such as Canongate Kilwinniog ; Glasgow EilwinDiDg, &c., ke.
' [Although we have no direct evidence on the point, we maj reaaonably
conclude that during the reign of James III the Craft enjoyed considerable
prosperity. The passionate attachment of that Monarch for magnificent build-
ings and the Fine Arts, the favours he bestowed upon Cochrane, his architect,
and the enconragement he gave to artists generally, make the supposition
amount almost to a certainty. The tastes of his successor lying in fortification
and gunnery, great numbers of forts and strongholds were erected in his
reign ; whilst under James V, a prince far in advance of his age, the royal
art was not likely to decline. Moreover, our hypothesis is borne out from the
fact, that notwithstanding the feuds and commotions during Mary's time, the
Fraternity were in a position to elect their own Grand Master when James YI
ascended the English Throne.— £.]
* Privy Seal Book of Scotland, 61, folio 47.
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52 THE HIOTORT OF FRBB MAflONRY.
concerDing tbe state of Masoniy in Scotland, as it proves beyond dispate
that the kings nominated the office-bearers of the Order ; that these
Provincial Masters, or Wardens as they were then called, administered
jostice in every dispute which concerned the ** art and craft of Masonrie ;**
that Lodges were established in all parts of the realm, even in those
remote, and at that time uncivilised counties of Aberdeen, Banff, and
Kincardine ; and it completely overturns the assertion of Dr Robison,
who maintains 1 that Elias Ashmole is the only distinct and unequivocal
instance of a person being admitted into the Fraternity who was not an
architect by profession. ■
The minutes of The Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, No. 1,
which is the oldest Lodge in Edinburgh, extend as far back as the year
1598, but as they only contain the ordinary proceedings of the Lodge,
we can derive from them no definite information respecting the condition
of the Fraternity. It appears, however, from these minutes, that
Thomas Boswell, Esq. of Auchinleck, was made a Warden of the Lodge
in the year 1600 ; and that the Honorable Robert Moray, Quarter-
master-General to the army in Scotland, was created a Master Mason in
1641. These facts are deserving of notice, as they show, in opposition
to Dr Robison, that persons were early admitted into the Order who
were not professional architects.
When James VI ascended the throne of England, he appears to have
neglected his right of nominating the office-bearers of the craft. In
Hay's Manuscript, in the Advocates' Library, there are two charters
granted by the Scotch Masons, appointing the St Glairs of Roslin their
hereditary Grand Masters. The first of these is without a date, but
signed by several Masons, who appoint William St Clair of Roslin,
his heirs and successors, their '^ patrons and judges.^* ' The other is in
some measure a ratification of the first, and dated 1630,* in which they
appoint Sir William St Clair of Roslin, his heirs and successors, to be
^ Proofs of a Conspiracy, p. 21.
' [Elias Ashmole the learned Antiquarian, and founder of the Ashmolean
Museum at Oxford, was initiated into the Order at Warrington, Lancashire, in
October 1646. His dilif^ent inquiries ioto its origin and history, and his fre-
quent attendance at the meetings for the long period of nearly half a century,
evidence the interest he took in the afiairs of the Fraternity. — He was born at
Lichfield in 1617, and died at South Lambeth in 1692, in the 76th year of his
age.— E.]
" Vide Appendix, No. I.
^ [This date has been generally given, and is that which appears in the
copy of the Charter in Hay's MSS, in the Advocates' Library, but on refer-
ence to the Books of the Lodge of Edinburgh at that period, it would appear
to have been executed between 1626 and 1628, these being the years during
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 53
their *' patrons, protectors, and overseers, in all time comiogi'* ^ In the
first of these deeds, which seems to have been written a little after the
nnion of the Crowns, it is stated that the want of a protector for some
years had engendered many corruptions among the Masons, and had
considerably retarded the progress of the craft ; and that the appoint-
ment of William St Clair, Esq. was with the adyice and. consent of
William Shaw, Master of Work to his Majesty. ' After presiding over
the Order for many years, William St Clair went to Ireland, where he
continued a considerable time ; and in copseqnence of his departure the
second charter was granted to his son, Sir William St Clair, investing
him with the same power which his f&ther enjoyed. It should also be
remarked that in both these deeds the appointment by James II of
William St Clair, Earl of Orkney and Caithness, to the office of Grand
Master, b spoken of as a fact well known and nDiversally admitted.
These observatioos will place in a clear point of view what must have
hitherto appeared a great inconsistency in the History of Scotch Masonry.
In the deed by which William St Clair, Esq. of Roslin, resigned the office
of hereditary Grand Master in 1736, it is stated that his ancestors,
W^illiam and Sir W illiam St Clair of Roslin^ were constituted patrons of
the Fraternity by the Scotch Masons themselves,' while it is well
known that the grant of hereditary Grand Master was originally made
by James II to their ancestor, William St Clair, Earl of Orkney and
Caithness. But when we consider that James VI, by neglecting to exer-
cise his power virtually transferred to the craft the right of electing
their office-bearers, the inconsistency disappears, as Mr St Clair and his
predecessors held their office from the date of these charters by the
appointment of the Fraternity itself. Lest any of his posterity however,
after his resignation, might lay claim to the office of Grand Master on
the ground that this office was bequeathed to them by the grant of
James II to the Earl of Caithness and his heirs, — he renounces not only
the right to the office which he derived frum the Brethren, but any right
which William jWallace, who subscribes the Charter as Deacon of The Edin-
bargh Masons, acted in that capacity. Introduction to the Laws and Constitu-
tions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1848.— £.]
^ Vide Appendix, No. II.
' [ A brief Memoir of William Schaw, who occupied so prominent a position
amongst Masons, will be found in the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, Appendix Q 2, p. 113 ; he was bom in 1550, and filled the
Office of ** Maister of Wark** from 1584 to 1602. A very curious document,
entitled ** The Statutis and Ordinanceis to be obseruit be all the Maister-
Maiflsonnis within this Realme," prepared by him in 1598, and bearing his signa-
ture, will be found in Appendix, No. VI. — E.]
' The Deed of Resignation is inserted at full length in Chapter vii, infra.
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54 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONftV.
also^ which, m a descendant of the Earl of Caithness, he could claim
from the grant aforesaid.
Notwithstanding the civil commotions which disturbed Britain in the
seventeenth century, Free Masonry advanced in ScotUnd under the
auspices of the St Clairs of Roslin, though no particular event worthy of
notice occurred during that time, or even during the remainder of the
century. The annual assemblies were still held at Kilwinning, and
many charters and constitutions were granted by the Lodge there for
the erection of Daughter Lodges in different parts of the kingdom.
In the year 1736, William St Clair, Esq. of Roslin, who was then
Grand Master of Scotland, was under the necessity of disponing his
estate, and as he had no children of his own, he was anxious that the
office of Grand Master should not be vacant at his death. Having there-
fore assembled the Lodges in Edinburgh and neighbourhood, he repre-
sented to them the utility that would accrue to the Order by having a
nobleman or gentleman of their own choice as Grand Master ; and at
the same time intimated his intention to resign into the hands of the
Brethren every title to that office which he at present possessed, or
which his successors might claim from the grants of the Crown and
the kindness of the Fraternity. In consequence of this representa-
tion, circular letters were dispatched to all the Lodges in Scotland, in-
viting them to appear, either by themselves or proxies, next St Andrew's
Day, to concur and assist in the election of a Grand Master. On that
day ^ about thirty-two Lodges appeared by themselves or proxies, and after
receiving the deed of resignation from William St Clair, Esq., proceeded
to the election of another Grand Master ; when, on account of the zeal
which William St Clair, Esq. of Roslin, had always shown for the honour
and prosperity of the Order, he was unanimously elected to that high
offic-e, and proclaimed Grand Master Mason of all Scotland.
Thus was instituted The Grand Lodge of Scotland, which has
now more than completed the first century of her existence, during
which period she has acted a conspicuous part in many important
events and undertakings, and whose History, being that also of Free
Masonry in this country, will form the Second Part of this Volume.
1 [November 30, 1736.— R]
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TUB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRT. 55
CHAPTER IV.
FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND DURING THE CITIL WARS — INTRODUCED
INTO FRANCE — INSTITUTION OF THE GRAND LODGES OF ENGLAND
AND IRELAND — RAPID PROGRESS OF THE ORDER — INTRODUCED INTO
INDIA, HOLLAND, RUSSIA, SPAIN, AFRICA, GERMANY, ETC. PERSE-
CUTIONS— ORIGIN OF THE M0PSE8 — GRAND LODGES OF DENMARK,
SWEDEN, AND PRUSSIA INSTITUTED — THE ILLUMINATI — CONDUCT OF
THE BRITISH GOYERNMBNT TO THE FRATERNITY IN 1799.
We bare already brought down the histoij of Masonrj in England
almost to the end of the fifteenth century. During the whole of the
sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth, no events occurred worthy
of a place in a general History of the Order. The Lodges continued to
meet, but seem neither to have attracted the notice nor excited the dis-
pleasure of the legislature.
During the Civil Wars, however, between the King and the Parlia-
ment, the Fraternity appears to have been better known, and many wore
initiated into its mysteries who were distinguished both by their literary
talents and their rank in life. Elias Ashmole informs us in his Diary
that Ck>lonel Mainwaring was admitted with him into the Order at War-
rington in October 1646. Charles II too, was a Member of the Frater-
nity, and frequentiy honoured the Lodges with his presence. From this
fact, chiefly, Dr Robison asserts that Free Masonry was employed by the
Royalists for promoting the cause of their sovereign, and that the ritual
of the Master's degree seems to have been framed, or twisted from its
original intention, in order to sound the political principles of the candi-
date. The strained and fikuciful analogy by which this opinion is sup-
ported is perhaps one of the most striking instances that c<^ld be
adduced to show to what puerile arguments the most learned will resort
when engaged in the defence of a bad cause. But though Dr Robison
maintains that all who witnessed the ceremonies of the Master's degree
during the Civil Wars could not fail to show by their countenance to
what party they belonged, yet he observes in another part of his work.
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6^ THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
that the symhols of. Masonry seemed to he equally sasceptihle of every
interpretation, and that none of these were entitled to any decided pre-
ference.^ We leave to our readers the task of reconciling such in-
consistencies.
An opinion of an opposite nature, though equally extravagant, has heen
maintained by Pivati," and the author of " Free Masonry Examined/'
These writers assert that Free Masonry originated in the time of the
English Commonwealth ; that Oliver Cromwell was its inventor ; that
the level was the symbol of republican equality, and the other signs
and ceremonies were merely arbitrary, and formed for concealing their
political designs. It would be ridiculous to enter into a serious refuta^
tion of such opinions as these, which are founded on the most unpardon-
able ignorance. That Free Masonry existed before the time of Crom-
well is as capable of demonstration as that Cromwell himself ever existed.
It is really amusing to observe what inconsistent and opposite opinions
are formed upon the same subject. According to oue writer, Free
Masonry was invented and employed by the adherents of the king^
according to another, it was devised by the friends of the Parliament
In the opinion of some it originated among the Jesuits, who used it for
the promotion of their spiritual tyranny and superstition ; while others
maintain that it arose among a number of unprincipled sceptics, who
employed it for destroying the spiritual tyranny and superstition of the
Jesuits.
It was about this time, according to Dr Robison^ that Free Masonry
was introduced into the continental kingdoms. After James II of
England had abdicated the throne and taken refuge in France with
several of his adherents, it is probable that they communicated additional
spirit to the French Lodges ; but that the English refugees were the
first who exported Masonry from Britain, or that they employed it for
re-establishing the Stuart fkmily on the English throne, it id impossible
to prove. Such assertions Dr Robison has not only hazarded, but has
employed them also as the foundation of defietmatory conclusions, without
adducing a single proof in their support. Notwithstanding the difficulty,
however, of determining the precise period when the principles of Free
Masonry were imported into France, it is allowed, by the universal con-
sent of the continental Lodges, that it was of British origin ; and it is
more than probable that the French received it from Scotland about the
middle of the sixteenth century, during the minority of Queen Mary.
^ Proofs of a Conspiracy, pp. 21, 22, and 99.
■ Pivati Art. liberi Muratori auvero Francs Magons Yeneziay quoted by
Mr Clinch.
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tHE 6IBT011V OlP FREB MASONRY. 51
It is well known that there was at that time a freer intercourse
between Scotland and France than at any other period. Mary
was then married to the heir-appareut of France, and Mary of
Guise, sister to the French king, was at the same time Regent of Scot-
land. In consequence of this intimate connection between the two
kingdoms, French troops were sent to the assistance of the Scotch, who,
residing many years in the country, and becoming habituated to the
manners and customs of their allies, naturally carried away with them
those customs which afforded them pleasure, and we know none could
be more congenial to the taste and dispositions of Frenchmen than the
ceremonial observances of Free Masonry. But it is not upon these
considerations merely that our opinion depends. It receives ample
confirmation from a fact of which Dr Robison seems to have been totally
Ignorant. In the year 1645, a particular jurisdictioi\ for Masons, called
Ma9onnerie, or 'Masonry, was established in France. All differences
which related to the art of building were decided by particular judges,
who were called Overseers of the Art of Masonry ; and several coun-
sellors were appointed for pleading the causes which were referred to
their decision. This institution has such a striking resemblance to the
Warden Courts which existed in Scotland in the sixteenth century,' that
it must hare derived its origin from these. In both of them those
causes only were decided which related to Masonry, and overseers were
chosen in both for bringing these causes to a decision.'^ As no similar
tribunals were held in any other part of the world, and as the Warden
Courts were first established in this country^ it is almost certain that
the French borrowed from Scotland the idea of their Masonic tribunal,
as well as Free Masonry itself, at that period when there was such
a free communication between the two kingdoms. Moreover, that
the French received Free Masonry from Scotland may be presumed from
the singular pre-eminence which is always given by foreigners to
Scottish Masonry, and from the degree of Chevalier Afagon Ecossats,
which, as a mark of respect to Scotland, the French added to the three
symbolical degrees of Masonry, about the beginning of the eighteenth
century. Had Free Masonry not been introduced into France till after
^ MaffODnerie est aussi le nom d'nne jurisdiction particuli^re pour les
Masons : Ella se tient au palais k Paris, et les appellations sont port^es au
parlement : cette jurisdiction au 6i4 etablie en 1645. Ceux qui Pexercent sont
appelles Generaux dee (Euvres de Magonnerie de France. lis connoissent de
differeuds entre les CDUvriers ooncemant le fait des batiments. La Magonnerie a
des procurenrs particulieres, differens de ceux de parlement, qui cependant
penvent y plaider. — Dictionnaire de Trevoux, vol. v, p. 23.
■ Vide p. 51, tu^pra, > Vide Appendix, No. II.
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58 THE HISTORY Of FREE MASONRV.
the Revolution of 1688, as Dr Robison affirms, it is wonderful how such
a £act should have been so quickly forgotten, as thirty or forty years
afterwards it was unknown at what period it had been received from
Britain ; and if the exiled family had employed Free Masonry for over-
turning the Hanoverian succession, it is still more strange that such a
circumstance should be unknown in a country where concealment was
certainly unnecessary. When any new custom is introduced into a
Nation, the time of its introduction may be remembered for seventy or
eighty years by one individual, without being committed to writing ;
and though it be not of sufficient importance, tradition will preserve it
from oblivion for a much greater length of time. If Free Masonry
therefore never existed in France till 1688, is it not absurd to suppose
that the establishment of such a singular institution should be utterly
forgotten in the short period of little more than a quarter of a century ?
But at whatever period, and from whatever source Free Masonry was
introduced into France, it assumed there a very remarkable form. The
attachment of that people to innovation and external finery produced
the most unwarrantable alterations upon its principles and ceremonies.
A number of new degrees were created ; the office-bearers were arrayed
in the most splendid and costly attire; and the Lodges were trans-
formed into lecturing-rooms, where the more learned of the Brethren
propounded the most extravagant theories, discussed abstruse questions
in theology and political economy^ and broached opinions which were
certainly hostile to true religion and sound government. In the other
countries of the Continent similar innovations in a greater or less degree
prevailed, while the British Lodges preserved the principles of the Craft
in their ori^nal simplicity and excellence. Such dangerous innovations
have not the slightest connection with the principles of Free Masonry ;
they are the unnatural excrescences formed by heated imaginations,
fostered by the interference of designing men. Those who reprehend
it therefore for the changes which it underwent in the hands of foreigners,
may throw equal blame upon religion because it has been a cloak for
licentiousness and hypocrisy; or upon science, because it has been
converted into an instrument of iniquity. These changes arose alto-
gether from the political condition of the countries where they were
made. In France, and the other kingdoms of Europe where Popery
was the ecclesiastical establishment, or where absolute power was in
the hands of the monarch, the most slavish restraints were imposed
upon the conduct and conversation of the people ; none durst utter
his own sentiments, or converse upon such metaphysical subjects as
militated against the theology and politics of the times. Under such
restraints, speculative men in particular were highly dissatisfied. Those
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THE HtSTORT OF FREB MASONRY. 59
powers which Providence had bestowed, and on the exercise of which
their happiness depended, were fettered by human laws; and that
liberty of speech restrained which tyranny had no right to control. For
these reasons the meetings were freqaented by men of philosophical
habits, who eagerly embraced an opportunity of enunciating their
opinions, and discussing the favourite subjects of their study, without
dreading the threats of government or the tortures of the Inquisition.
In this view, the Lodges may be compared to little Republics, enjoying
the rational liberties of human nature in the midst of an extensive
empire enslaved by despotism and superstition. In the course of time,
however, that liberty was abused, and doctrines were propagated in the
French and German Lodges which it is the duty and policy of every
government to discover and suppress. But these corruptions had by
no means a necessary connection with Free Masonry, — they arose, as
already remarked, out of the political condition of the continental
kingdoms. In Britain the history of the Order is stained by no
glaring corruptions or offensive innovations, more attention being paid
to intrinsic valae than external observances, — the Lodges bearing
a greater resemblance to charitable institutions than to pompous and
splendid assemblies. Blessed with a free constitution, and allowed
every innocent liberty, we can express our sentiments with the great-
est freedom, and discuss the errors of administration without any one
to make us afraid. In such circumstances, British Masons are under
no temptation to introduce into their Lodges religious and political
discussions. The liberty of the press enables them to give the widest
circulation to their opinions, however new or extravagant ; and they are
liable to no punishment by publicly attacking the established religion of
their country. The British Lodges, therefore, have retained their primi-
tive purity ; they have been employed in no sinister cause ; and have
neither harboured in their bosom traitors nor atheists.
While the Brethren in France were busily engaged in the decoration
of their Lodges, the invention of new degrees, and trifling ceremonies,
those in England were more wisely employed in enlarging the boun-
daries of the royal art. About the beginning of the eighteenth century,
during the reign of Queen Anne, Free Masonry appears to have declined
rapidly in the southern parts of the sister kingdom. There, four Lodges
only existed, and few hopes could be entertained of a revival while the
seat of the Grand Lodge was at such a distance as the city of York. In
such circumstances the four Lodges met in 1717, and in order to infuse
vigour into their declining cause, and advance the interests of the
Fraternity in their districts, they elected themselves into a Grand
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60 TBE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
Lodge, and chose AntboDj Sayer^ Esq. for their first Grand Master*
Thus was instituted The Grand Lodge of England, which has now
attained such prosperity and splendour. The motive which suggested
this act was certainly laudable and useful ; but every Brother must
be aware that these Lodges were guilty of a great impropriety in
omitting to request the countenance of the Grand Lodge of York.
Notwithstanding this negligence, the greatest harmony existed between
the two Grand Lodges till 1734, and, under the auspices of both, the
Order flourished in every part of the kingdom, but particularly in the
south of England, where it had formerly been in so languishing a con-
dition. In 1735, however, the Grand Lodge of England having granted
constitutions to Lodges within the district of York, without the consent
of that Grand Lodge, incurred the displeasure of the York Masons to
such a degree that the friendly intercourse which had formerly existed
between them was for a time broken off.
In 1 739, some trifling innovations upon the ancient customs of the Order
having been imprudently sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England,
several of the old London Masons were highly offended, and after seceding
from the Grand Lodge, and pretending to act under the York consti-
tution, they gave themselves the appellation of Ancient Masons, while
they attached to those connected with the Grand Lodge the odious
appellation of Moderns, who, in their opinion, never exii^ted till 1717.
After their secession the Ancient Masons continued to hold their meet-
ings without acknowledging a superior till the year 1772, when they
chose for their Grand Master John, 3il Duke of A thole, who was then
Grand Master Elect for Scotland. Schisms in societies generally arise
from misconduct on both sides, and the rule applies to the case now
under consideration. The Modems undoubtedly departed from their
usual caution and propriety of conduct by authorising the slightest
innovation upon the ceremonies of an ancient institution, but the
Ancients were guilty of a greater impropriety in being .the active pro-
moters of the schism, and still more by holding up their Brethren to
the ridicule of the public.^
^ Much injury has been done to the cause of the AneietU Masons by a book
entitled A kiman iZraon, written by Laurence Dennett, their Secretary. The unfair-
ness with which he has stated the proceedings of the Modems, the bitterness
with which ho ti^eats them, and the quackery and vain glory with which he
displays his own pretensions to superior knowledge, deserve to be reprobated
by every class of Masons who are anxious for the purity of their Order, and the
preservation of that charity and mildness which ought to characterise all their
proceedings. The candour and fairness with which this delicate subject is
treated by Preston in his Illustrations of Masonry merit the highest en-
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 61
After the institution of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717> Free
Masoniy assumed a bolder and a more independent aspect. It was no
longer confined to the British Isles or the capital of France, but was
destined to irradiate every portion of the globe ; and while the Grand
Lodges of Scotland and England contemplated with pleasure the propa-
gation of the royal art, their diligence was fully rewarded by the grati-
tude and liberality of the Foreign Lodges for the gift which they had
received.
In 1729 it was introduced into the East Indies, and a short time after
a Provincial Grand Master was appointed to superintend the Lodges in
that quarter. In 1730 The Grand Lodge of Ireland was instituted ;
Lodges were erected in different parts of America ; and a provincial
deputation granted to Monsieur Thuanus for the Circle of Lower Saxony.
In 1731 a patent was sent from England to erect a Lodge at the Hague,
in which Francis Stephen, Duke of Lorrain, afterwards Emperor of
Germany, was initiated ; and Provincial Grand Masters were appointed
for Russia, and Andalusia in Spain. In 1736 Lodges were erected at
Geneva, and Cape Coast, in Africa, and provincial deputations were
granted for Upper Saxony and the American Islands. In 1738 a Lodge
was instituted at Brunswick under the patronage of the Grand Lodge
of Scotland, in which Frederick III of Prussia was initiated wben Prince
Royal, and so pleased was His Highness with the maxims and cere-
monies of the Order, that he ever afterwards was its most zealous sup-
porter, and even requested that a Lodge should be established in the
capital of his dominions.^ In this Lodge many of the German Princes
were initiated, who afterwards filled the oflSce of Grand Master with
much honour to themselves and advantage to the Fraternity.
But while Free Masonry flourished in these different parts of the
world it was doomed to undergo a variety of persecutions from the
unfounded jealousies of despotic rulers, and the deep-rooted super-
stition of the Catholic priests. These persecutions took their rise in
Holland in the year 1735. The States-General were alarmed at the
rapid increase of Free Masons, who held their meetings in every town
under their government ; and as they could not believe that architecture
and brotherly love were their only objects, they resolved to discounte-
nance their proceedings. In consequence of this determination, an edict
was issued by Government, stating, that though they had discovered
nothing in the practices of the Fraternity either injurious to the interests
^ [In 1855 Brother Carl von Dahlen of Berlin was appointed representative
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in the Royal York Grand Lodge of Prussia ;
and in 1856, Brother Professor Aytoun of Edinburgh was commissioned to
represent the latter in the Grand Lodge of Sootland.— E.]
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62 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of the Republic or contrary to the character of good citizens, yet, in order
to prevent any bad consequences which might ensue from such associ-
ations, they deemed it prudent to abolish their assemblies. Notwith-
standing this prohibition, a respectable Lodge haying continued to meet
privately at Amsterdam, intelligence was communicated to the authori-
ties, who arrested all the members, and brought them to the Court of
Justice. Before this tribunal, in presence of all the magistrates of the
city, the masters and wardens boldly defended themselves, and declared
upon oath that they were loyal subjects, faithful to their religion, and
zealous for the interests of their country ; that Free Masonry was an
institution venerable in itself, and useful to society ; and that though
they could not reveal its secrets and ceremonies, they would assure them
that they were neither contrary to the laws of God nor man ; that they
would willingly admit into the Order any one of their number, from
whom they might receive such information as would satisfy any reason-
able mind. In consequence of these declarations the Brethren were dis-
missed, and the town secretary requested to become a member of the
Fraternity; after initiation he returned to the Court of Justice, and
gave such a favoarable account of the principles and practice of the
Society that all the magistrates became Brethren and patrons of the
Fraternity.
After triumphing thus honourably over her persecjitors in Holland,
she had to contend in France with prejudices equally inveterate, though
less impregnable. Although many persons of distinction defended its
principles and expostulated with the Court upon the impropriety of
severe measures, their assemblies were abolished in 17d7> under the com-
mon pretence that beneath their inviolable secrets they might cover some
dreadful design hostile to religion and dangerous to the kingdom. But
when these ebullitions of party spirit had subsided, the prohibition of
Government was gradually forgotten, and the Fraternity in France
recovered its former prosperity.
In Germany, too, the tranquillity of the Order was interrupted by the
malice of some ignorant women. The curiosity of the female sex being
proverbial, a few German ladies who possessed a greater share of it than
was agreeable, were {inxious to discover the secrets of Free Masonry j
but being baffled in all their attempts, they converted their curiosity into
revenge, and attempted to inflame the mind of Maria Theresa, the Empress
Queen, against the Lodges in Vienna. Their scheme was in some
measure successful, as they persuaded her to issue an order for surprising
all the Masons in the city when assembled in their Lodges, This plan,
however, was frustrated by the intervention of the Emperor Joseph I,
who being himself a Mason, declared his readiness to answer for their
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 63
condact, and showed the ladies and their friends that the charges which
they had brought against the Order were entirely groundless.
When the flame of persecution is once kindled, its devastaiions are
seldom confined to the country where it originated. The example of
one Nation is urged as an excuse for the conduct of another ; and like
the storm on the sandy desert, its effects are ruinous in proportion to its
progress. In Holland and France the hostility of the legislature against
Free Masonry was in a short time disarmed. But when the flame
reached the Ecclesiastical States of Italy it broke out with more ungo-
vernable rage, — its effects were more cruel, and its duration more
lengthened. In 1738 a formidable bull was thundered from the conclave,
not only against Free Masons themselves, but against all those who
promoted or favoured their cause, — who gave them the smallest counte-
nance or advice, or who were in any respect connected with a body of
men who, in the opinion of his Holiness, were enemies to the tranquillity
of the State, and hostile to the spiritual interest of souls. Notwithstand-
ing the severity of this bull, which threatened excommunication to every
offender, no particular charge either of a moral or political nature is
brought against a single individual of the Order. It is merely stated
that the Fraternity had spread &.r and wide, and were daily increasing ;
that they admitted men of every religion into their Society^ and that
they bound their members by oath to preserve with inviolable secrecy
the mysteries of their Order. These circumstances, indeed, were suf-
ficient grounds for exciting the Church of Rome to oppose a system
so contrary to her superstitious and contracted views in religion and
government
This bull was followed by an edicts dated 14th January 1739, contain-
ing sentiments equally bigoted, and enactments equally severe. The
servitude of the gallies, the tortures of the rack, and a fine of a thousand
crowns in gold, were threatened to persons of every description who
were daring enough to breathe the infectious air of a Masonic assembly.
About a month after this edict was issued^ a decree was emitted by
his Holiness, condemning a French book entitled " an Apology for the
Society of Free Masons^" and ordering it to be burnt by the ministers of
justice in one of the most frequented streets of Rome. Bid his Holi-
ness imagine that by purloining a grain from a magazine of gunpowder
the explosion would be less tremendous? or, that by consuming a copy
of a tnfling tract he could suppress its circulation, restrain the inclina-
tions and energies of the mind, and blunt those social and benevolent
affections which unite by an indissoluble tie the members of a society
Where Christians, Jews, and Turks, and Pagans stand.
One blended throng^ one undistinguished band.
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64 THB HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY.
In consequence of these enaxstments at Rome, the Catholic clergy of
Holland, in 1 740, attempted to enforce obedience to the commands of
their superiors. It was customary among the priests of that country to
examine the religious qualifications of those who requested a certificate
to receive the holy sacrament. Taking advantage of their spiritual
power, they concluded their examination of the candidates by asking
if they were Free Masons ; if they were, the certificate was refuse<^
and they were expelled for ever from the communion table. Having
exerted their authority by the expulsion of several respectable individuals,
the subject excited general attention, and after numerous pamphlets
bad been published in defence of both parties, the States -General
interfered, and prohibited them from asking questions that were un-
connected with the religious character of the applicants.
Several Brethren of distinction in Germany, though steady friends to
the Church of Rome, disapproved highly of her proceedings against the
Fraternity, and were anxious to preserve the Order from that ruin to
which it seemed fast approaching. In order to efiect this they instituted
a new association, formed upon the same principles, and proposing to
itself the same object. The members were denominated Mopses, from
the German word mops, denoting a young mastiff, which was deemed a
proper emblem of the mutual fidelity and attachment of the Brethren.
But, that they might preserve the mysteries of Free Masonry from those
members of the new association who were not Masons, they rejected
from their ritual all the Masonic ceremonies, words, and signs; and
that they might escape the vengeance of the Romish Church they
softened all those parts of the institution which had a tendency to ^ive
offence to narrow and superstitious minds : Instead, therefore, of bind-
ing the members by an oath, they took their word of honour that they
would never reveal the mysteries and ceremonies of the Order. It is
well known to every person acquainted with the History of Masonry,
that the exclusion of ladies has been a fertile source of calumny against
the Brethren. It was supposed that actions were performed in the
Lodges inconsistent with the delicacy of the female sex ; and, as in the
case of the Knight Templars, that the most unnatural crimes were per-
petrated and authorised. In order to avoid this ground of defisimation
the Mopses admitted women into their Lodges, who were allowed
to hold any ofiice except that of Grand Mopse. The Association
of the Mopses were patronised by some of the most illustrious charac-
ters in Germany ; the Lodges consisted of the most respectable
members of the community, and several of the Princes of the Empire
were Grand Masters of their Order. The admission of Protestants or
heretics into the Mason Lodges of Catholic countries gave great offence
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THE HISTOllY OF FREE MASONRY. 65
to ihe Chareh of Rome, and was one of the causes which prompted the
severity of her proceedings ; aware of this circamstance, the Mopses
resoUed to initiate into their mysteries none but the steady friends of
the Catholic communion. This, however, was merely a pretence to
deceive his Holiness, as they admitted into their Order, without scruple,
men of every religion and country.
As the bulls of the Pope had no authority in Switzerland, Free
Masonry flourished in that Republic till 1745, when a most unaccountable
edict was issued by the Council of Berne, prohibiting its assemblies under
the severest penalties. No reason was assigned by the Council for their
conduct ; no charges were advanced against any of the Brethren, — the
Council of Berne were terrified for secret associations, and on this account,
forsooth, they must persecute that of the Free Masons. More intolerant
in their bigotry, and more cruel in their conduct than the Church of Rome,
they were not satisfied with abolishing all the Lodges in the Republic ;
every Free Mason in Switzerland must accuse himself before the magis-
trate of tlie district ; he must renounce his obligations to secrecy, and
swear, in the presence of the great God of Heaven, to trample upon those
engagements which, before the same Being, he had sworn to revere.
Such an instance of tyranny over the minds and consciences of men is a
remarkable fact in the history of a Republic where the Reformed Religion
had been protected from its infancy, and where the Brethren had always
conducted themselves with exemplary propriety. * The severe treatment,
therefore, which they experienced, must have originated in some private
quarrel between the members of the Council and the Fraternity, as it
could neither be prompted by patriotic motives, by regard for the welfare
of the State, nor the safety of individuals. But notwithstanding these
proceedings, Free Masonry was subsequently revived, and practised
without molestation, though with less eagerness and success than in
the other States of Europe.
During these persecutions, of which we have only given an outline,
many of the Order underwent the severest treatment ; and in their
relief was strongly exemplified that practical benevolence which Free
Masons are taught to cherish towards their Brethren in distress. In 1739,
after Pope Eugenius liad issued his bull against Free Masonry, one
Crudeii was imprisoned at Florence by the Inquisition, and suffered
the most unmerited cruelties for maintaining the innocence of the
^ Free Maaowry seems to have been directly imported into Switzerland from
Great Britain ; as a deputation was granted by the Grand Lodge of England
for erecting a Lodge at Lausanne, in the Canton of Berne, in the year ] 739.
It could not^ therefore, in so short a time, be corrupted by those offensive inno-
vations which were superinduced upon it in France.
5
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66 THE HISTORY OF FllEE MASONRY.
Order. Upon the Grand Lodge of England being informed of his
miserable situation, they, recollecting that a Brother of whatever rank
or country had a claim upon their sympathy, generously transmitted
to him twenty pounds for procuring the necessaries of life, and exert-
ed all their influence for effecting his liberation. A Brother confined
at St Sebastian experienced from this body similar attention and
generosity. At Lisbon, in 1742, James Mouton, a French artist,
and John Coustos^ a native of Berne, were imprisoned by the
Inqnisition. They were accused of belonging to a society which
permitted sodomy, and were commanded to unfold the true design
of Free Masonry. Upon their defending the innocence and utility
of the institution, they were extended on the rack, in expectation
that a confession would be extorted by its torments. Force, how-
ever, had no control over minds conscious of integrity. Coustos
maintained his innocence after being thrice stretched on this instrument
of agony, and was at last sentenced to walk in the procesfflon of the
AtUo da Fe, and serv^ in the gallies for four years. At the instance of
the English Brethren, George II authorised the British Minister at
Lisbon to demand his liberation from the King of Portugal, which was
granted in ] 744, after a dreadful confinement of two years and a half.
From such scenes of barbarity it is pleasing to turn to examples
of benevolence and generosity, and as the consideration of these is
always gratifying to a humane mind, they certainly deserve to be record-
ed in a History of Free Masonry. In 1748 Monsieur Preverot, a gentle-
man in the navy, and brother of the celebrated M. Preverot, doctor of
medicine in the faculty at Paris, was unfortunately shipwrecked on an
island the governor of which was a Free Mason, who, hearing of his mis-
fortune, and learning that he too was a Brother, conducted him to his
house, where he was furnished with all the comforts of life till a ship
bound for France touched at the place. Before his departure his bene-
factor loaded him with presents, and gave him as much money as was
necessaiy for carrying him into his native country.
In the battle of Dettingen, in 1743, one of the king's guards having
his horse killed under him, got so entangled aj9 to be unable to extricate
himself. While he was in this condition, an English dragoon galloped
up to him, and, with his uplifted sabre, was about to deprive him of life.
The French soldier with much difficulty made the signs of Masonry,
which the dragoon recognising, not only saved his life, but freed him
from his perilous situation, — ^making him of course a prisoner, as the
Fraternal ties cannot dissolve those of patriotism.
In 1749, Free Masonry was introduced into Bohemia, and eagerly
embraced by all the distinguished persons in the city of Prague. They
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THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 67
tenned themselyes Scotch Masons, and were remarkably strict as to the
character of those whom they admitted into the Order, and performed with
punctuality those duties which they owe to the Brethren, as is strikingly
exemplified in the following story. A Scotch gentleman in the Prussian
service was taken prisoner at the battle of Lutzen, and, with four
hundred of his companions-in-arms^svus conveyed to Prague ; as soon us
it was known that he was a Mason he was released from confinement,
invited to the tables of tbe most distinguished citizens ; and requested
to consider himself more in the character of a Brother than as a prisoner of
war. About three months after the engagement an exchange of prisoners
took place, and the Scotch officer was presented by the Fraternity with
a purse of sixty ducats to defray the expenses of his journey.^
The persecutions which the Craft had hitherto endured had been
confined to the Continent, but the tide of religions frenzy now rolled
to the shores of Britain. In 1745 the Associate Synod attempted to
disturb the peace of the Fraternity ; and, had they been possessed of
half the power of the Church of Rome or the Council of Berne, their
proceedings, prompted by equal fanaticism, would have been marked with
the same severity ; but fortunately their power extended only to the
spiritual concerns of those who were of the same sect with them-
selves. In the beginning of that year an overture was laid before the
Synod of Stirling, stating that many improper tilings were performed
at the initiation of Free Masons, and requesting that the Synod would
consider whether or not the members of that Order were entitled to
partake in the ordinances of religion. The Synod remitted this overture
to all the kirk-sessions under their jurisdiction, allowing them to act as
they thought proper. In 1755, however, they appointed the said
tribunals to examine every person who was suspected of being a Free
Mason, and demand an explicit answer to any question which they
might ask concerning the administration of the Mason Oath. In the
course of these examinations they discovered (for they seem hitherto to
have been ignorant of it) that men who were not architects were admit-
ted into the Order. On this account, the Synod, in 1757, thought it
necessary to adopt stricter measures, and forthwith drew up a list of
foolish questions which they appointed every kirk-^ession to put to
those under their charge. These questions related to what they thought
were the ceremonies of Free Masonry ; and those who refused to answer
them were debarred from religious ordinances. The object of these pro-
ceedings was not certainly, as is pretended, to make those Brethren who
^ Several striking and curious instances of the extensive benevolence of Free
Masons may be seen in Smith's Use and Abuse of Free Masonry, pp. 374, 377,
378, &c.
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68 THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
belonged to the Associate Synod more holy and upright, by detaching
them from the Fraternity, as this could have been effected without that
species of examination which they authorized ; the Church of Rome was
content with dispersing the Craft, and receiving its repentant mem-
bers into her communion ; the Council of Berne went no farther than
the abolition of the society, and compelling the Brethren to renounce their
engagements, lest these should be inconsistent with the duties of citizens :
But a Sjmod of Scotch Dissenters, who could not imitate in these points
the Church of Rome and the Council of Berne, must forsooth outstrip
them in another, inasmuch as they attempted to compel the Free Masons
of their congregations to give them an account of those mysteries and cere-
monies which their avarice or fear hindered them from obtaining by
regular initiation. And what, pray, was to become of those perjured
men, from whom such information was obtained 1 They were promised
admission into the ordinances of religion ! as if they were now purified
beings, from whom something worse than a demoniac had been ejected.^
Notwithstanding persecution, and numerous unlocked for obstacles^
Free Masonry has ever steadily progressed, and as it has hitherto been,
so is it yet justly held in the highest esteem wherever introduced. In
1743 it was exported from Scotland to Denmark, and the Lodge which
was then instituted is now the Grand Lodge of that kingdom. The
same prosperity has attended the first Lodge in Sweden, which was
erected at Stockholm in 1754, under a patent from Scotland. Nume-
rous Charters have from time to time been granted for the erection
of Lodges under the Scotch jurisdiction in various parts of the world :
While at home, the countenance and co-operation of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, and those Lodges depending on her, has been
anxiously sought for in laying the foundations of the principal public
buildings both in the Metropolis and throughout the country ; more-
over, she has been the honoured instrument of dispensing charitable
relief not only to a vast number of the indigent and distressed among
the Brethren, but also, when particular exigencies called for such
extension of her charity, to many individuals not members of the Craft.
In 1765, a splendid apartment was erected at Marseilles for the
accommodation of the Brethren. It was adorned with the finest
paintings, representing the most interesting scenes that occur in
^ It is remarkable that the Grand Lodge of Scotland did not take the
slightest notice of these proceedings. A paper, however, entitled *' An
Impartial Examination of the Act of the Associate Synod," written with great
humour, and acuteness of reasoning, appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine for
1757. The Act of the Associate Synod was published in the Scots Magazine
for the same year.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 69
the bistorj of the Old and New Testament, and calculated to
remind the spectator of his various duties as a man, a subject, and
a Christian. The representation of Joseph and his brethren, of the
Samaritan and Jew, of Lot and the Angels, must have reminded
every Brother of the beauty of charity and forgiveness, which are the
first principles of Masonry, as they are the first duties of man. The
picture of Peter and the Apostles paying tribute to Caasar, must have
recalled to every individual his obligations as a citizen to revere and
support the constituted authorities. And the representation of Job in
his misfortunes lifting up his hands to Heaven, must have forced upon
the minds of the most inconsiderate this important reflection — that
fortitude and resignation to the will of God are the duties of all in dis-
tress, and that the Divine blessing will ultimately attend those who
bear without murmuring the chastisements of their Father, and preserve,
amidst the severest trials, their patience and virtue unimpaired.^ These
observations, apparently trifling, are important in one respect, as they
show that the French Lodges had not at that time fostered in their
bosom the votaries of scepticism and disloyalty. The other Lodges in
France were at this time numerous and magnificent : The Grand Lodge
contained about twenty offices, which were filled by noblemen of the
highest rank. They had Provincial Grand Masters similar to those of
Scotland ; and the insignia and jewels of all those office-bearers were as
rich and splendid as the Lodges in which they assembled.
In 1767> a Lodge, under an English constitution, was established at
Berlin, under the appellation of Le Roydle Yorh^ in honour of His Royal
Highness the Duke of York, who was initiated therein while travelling
on the Continent. In 1768, the Brethren in Germany were authorised
to hold their assemblies by a charter granted by the King of Prussia,
the Elector of Saxony, and the Queen of Hungary and Bohemia,
and afterwards ratified by the Emperor of Germany himself. By
another charter from England, in 1769, a Lodge was erected at
Brunswick, which, in 1770; became the Grand Lodge of that part of
Germany. Its Grand Master was Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, who,
a short time after, received a provincial deputation from England for
superintending the Lodges in Lower Saxony. In 1773 a convention was
entered into between the Grand Lodge of England under Lord Petre^
and the Grand Lodge at Berlin under the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt^
which had a few years before been duly erected into a Grand Lodge at
a meeting of masters and wardens of twelve regular Lodges ; in this
compact it was stipulated that the Grand Lodge of Berlin should be
' For a farther account of this building, see Smith's Use and Abuse of Free
MaK)nry, p. 165. " [Vide also p. 61, ttipm.— E.)
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70 THK HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY.
acknowledged as the Giand Lodge of the whole Empire of Gennany,
including the dominions of his Prussian Majesty ; that it should exercise
no Masonic power out of the Empire of Germany, or within the district
under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Brunswick ; that the Electo-
rate of Hanover should be free to both the Grand Lodges in Germany ;
and that the contracting parties should unite their efforts to counteract
all innovations in Masonry, and particularly the proceedings of a set of
Masons in Berlin, who, under the denomination of Stricte Ohiervantz,
had annihilated their former constitutions, erected themselves into a
Grand Lodge^ and sanctioned very improper innovations upon the
principles and ceremonies of the Order. This contract was highly
approved of by the King of Prussia^ who immediately erected the Grand
Lodge of Berlin into a corporate body, and became, in 1777, Patron or
Protector of all the Masons in Germany ; Ferdinand, Duke of Bruns-
wick and Lunenburgh^ filling the office of Grand Master of all the united
Lodges in that country.
In Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, charity-schools were erected by
the Lodges for educating the children of Free Masons whose poverty
debarred them from this advantage. In that which was formed at
Brunswick they were iustnicted in classical learning and various
branches of mathematics, and were regularly examined by the Duke of
Brunswick, who rewarded the most deserving with suitable premiums.
At Eisenach, several seminaries of this kind were established, the
teachers were endowed with fixed salaries^ and in a short time after
their institution they sent into the world 700 children instructed in the
principles of science and the doctrines of Christianity. In 1771 an
establishment of a similar kind was formed at Gassel^ in which the
children were maintained and educated till they could provide for them-
selves. In 1773 the united Lodges of Dresden, Leipsic, and Gorlitz,
erected at Frederickstadt a seminary for children of every denomina-
tion in the Electorate of Saxony ; the Masonic subscriptions were so
numerous that the funds of the institution were sufficient for its mainten-
ance, and in the space of five years abo.ve 1100 children received a
liberal education. In the same year an extensive workhouse was erected
at Prague, in which the children were not only instructed in the rudi-
mentary principles of education, but in those branches also of the useful
and fine arts which might qualify them for commercial and agricultural
situations. It deserves to be remarked that the founders of these
institutions, amid their anxiety for the public prosperity, never neglected
the spiritual interests of the children ; they saw that early piety is the
foundation of all that is useful and honourable in life, and that without
this, speculative knowledge and practical skill are of little avail. How
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iDConsisieiit are such &cta with those &bulons accounts of the German
Lodges which have been published in England by a few party men.
While these things were taking place in Germany^ the Brethren in
Portugal were exposed to the persecutions of its bigoted rulers. Major
Francois d'Alincourt, a Frenchman, and Don Oyrea de Omellas Pracao,
a Portuguese nobleman, were imprisoned in 1766 by the Governor of
Madeira for their attachment to their Order. Being afterwards carried
to Lisbon, they were confined fourteen months, till they were released
by the generous intercession of the Brethren in tiiat city. In the fol-
lowing year several Free Masons were confined in Naples, but were
shortly after liberated by the eloquence of an Italian advocate, aided by
the intercession of Foreign princes.
Notwithstanding the persecutions which the Fraternity had experienced
in Holland, Free Masonry flourished in that Republic. In 1779 a
treaty was entered into between the Grand Lodge of Holland, held at
the Hague, and that of England. It was stipulated that the former
should be permitted to erect Lodges within her territories both at home
and abroad, and to appoint Provincial Grand Masters over each district.
In consequence of this accession of power to the Grand Lodge of Hol-
land, Free Masonry made great progress under its auspices in the
Dutch settlements in India, AMca, and South America.
In 1775 a new secret association arose in Germany, which was sup-
posed to have taken its rise from Free Masonry, and to have planned a
conspiracy against every religious and political establishment in Europe.
This was the Order of the Illuminati, founded by Dr Adam Weishaupt,
IVofessor of Canon Law in the University of Ingolstadt. In this Society
speculative opinions were inculcated which were certainly incondstent
with the principles of religion and social order; but that lUumin-
ism originated from Free Masonry, that it brought about the French
Revolution, or even planned any dangerous conspiracy, are circumstances
for which the shadow of a proof has never yet been adduced. Dr
Robison indeed expressly affirms that Illuminism " took its rise among
the Free Masons, but was totally difierent from Free Masonry;" and,
by a deceitful anachronism, he represents Weishaupt as an active
member in the German Lodges, before he acquaints his readers that he
was the founder of the Illuminati, for no other reason than to make
them believe that Weishaupt was a Free Mason before he planned his
new institution.^ Now the truth was quite the reverse. Barmel
asserts " that it is a fact demonstrated beyond doubt that Weishaupt
^ Proofs of a Conspiracy, Introduction, p. xv, and p. 101. [As this is the
last time we bhall have occasion to quote this work, it may be remarked that
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72 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
became a Free Mason only in 1777; and that two years before this,
when he established lUaroinism, he was totally nnacqoainted with the
mysteries of Free Masonry.*' ^ Here then is an important statement
which strikes at the root of all Dr Robison*s reasoning against Free
Masonry. Barrael maintains that Weishanpt was not a Mason till two
years after the organization of his new Society^ and Br Robison himself
allows that lUnminism was totally different from Free Masonry. . The
two institntions, therefore, were wholly nnconnected ; for the members
of the one were never admitted into the Lodges of the other without
being regularly initiated into the mysteries of both. Upon these simple
facts we would arrest the attention of every reader, and those in parti-
cular who have been cajolled out of their senses by the united exertions
of a priest and a philosopher.
Weishaupt, straining every nerve to disseminate his principles, in
1777 became a Free Mason ; and attempted, by means of emissaries, to
circulate his opinions among the French and German Lodges, and in
these attempts he was indeed sometimes successful. But it should be
recollected by those who calumniate Free Masonry on this account, that
the same objection may be urged against Christianity, because impostors
have sometimes gained proselytes and perverted the wavering minds of
the multitude. These doctrines, however, were not merely circulated
by Weishaupt in a few of the Lodges, and taught at the assemblies of
the Illnminati ; they were published to the world in the most fuscinat-
ing form by the French Encyclopaddists, and inculcated with all the
eloquence of some of the most celebrated philosophers on the Continent
Such is a short, and it is to be hoped an impartial view of the origin and
progress of the Illuminati. We shall now advert to the causes from
isrhich it sprung, and the advantages and disadvantages which it may
have eugendered.
About the middle of the eighteenth century, the literati on the Con-
tinent were divided into two great parties. The one may be considered
as ex-Jesuits, or adherents to the Catholic superstition, who were
promoters of political and religious despotism, and inculcated the doc-
trines of non-resistance and passive obedience. The other was com-
posed of men who were friends to the Reformed Religion, enemies of
superstition and fanaticism, and supporters of the absurd doctrine of the
at the time of its publication in 1797 it enjoyed a great popularity. Dr Robi-
son, who, in early life, had been a naval officer, then ably filled the chair of
Natural Philosophy in the University of Edinburgh. Time has fully refuted
the " Proofs," and the volume is now known only by the curious. — £.]
1 Memoirs of Jacobinism, Part III. Preliminary ObserratioDS, p. xv, and
p. 12.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 73
infioite perfectibilitj of tbe Iiumao mind. Thej were dissatisfied with
that slavery which was imposed by the despotism of the continental
rulers, and the superstition of the Church of Rome ; and many of them
entertained opinions adrerse to the Christian religion, and to every
existing form of government. Between these two parties there was a
perpetual struggle for power. The ex-Jesuits accused their opponents
as heretics and promoters of Jacobinism and infidelity; while the others
were constantly exposing the intrigues of the priests, and tbe tyranny of
despots. To this latter class Weishanpt and his associates belonged,
and instituted the Order of the Illnminati for no other purpose than to
oppose those corrupted priests who degraded them *aB Christians, and
those tyrannical despots who enslaved them as citizens. The collision
of these parties was undoubtedly productive of the greatest advantages :
While the Jesuits restrained the inclination of one part of the commu-
nity to overrate the dignity of the human mind, and anticipate ideal
visions of religious and political perfection ; the lUuminati counteracted
those gloomy opinions which debase the dignity of our nature, which
check the energies of the mind, and impose the most galling yoke of
religious and political servitude. Both were, without doubt^ deserving
of blame. But had either of them prevailed, the triumph of the lUumi-
nati would certainly have been the most desirable. As Christians we
would glory in the down^ELll of that Papal hierarchy which has so long
deluded and enslaved the world ; as men we would rejoice at the over-
throw of every throne which is raised upon the ruins of civil liberty
and domestic happiness ; and as Britons we wish that all our brethren
of mankind should enjoy those religious and political privileges which
have so long been the admiration of our friends, and the envy of our
enemies.
After the French Revolution, which, as Mounier has well shown, arose
from other causes than those to which Barruel and Robison ascribe it,
the plans of these parties were not carried on in Germany so systemati-
cally as before ; and, notwithstanding the fabrications with which Barruel
has calumniated the Lodges in that country. Free Masonry is still in the
ascendant — ^respected by the most virtuous and scientific members of the
community, and patronised by the most distinguished princes of the
empire. There the qualifications for a Free Mason are great and numer-
ous. No person is initiated into the Order without the consent of every
member of the Lodge ; and it frequently happens that even a German
is excluded by a single dissenting voice. On this account, the Lodges
are filled with persons of the first rank and respectability, every thing
b^ng conducted with the greatest decorum and solemnity, and an
Englishman will obtain an easier introduction to the nobility and literati
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74 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
in a Free Mason Lodge than in anj other place^ and will never repent
of having been initiated into the Order J
Notwithstanding the publication of the works of Barmel and Robison,
Free Masonry has ever been regarded with the greatest respect and
fftvour by the Government of this oountrj. When the Act for the sup-
pression of seditious and treasonable societies was passed in 1799| by
which it was declared illegal for any body of men to require £rom their
members an oath or test not authorise«l by law, an express exemption
was introduced in favour of Free Mason Lodges ; and the Act against
seditious meetings, passed in 1817> contained a similar provision. These
exemptions are not only honourable to the loyalty and prudence of
British Masons, but are gratifying testimonies to the pure principles
of the Fraternity. Dr Bobison indeed asserts that the emissaries of cor-
rupted Free Masonry and Illuminism were lurking in the Brit'ish Empire,
and plotting its destruction, but these were never discovered within
the drouit of our island, and certainly never polluted by their presence
the precincts of the British Lodges.
^ Dr Reader's Tour through Germany, Introduction to vol. i, pp. 30, 33. He
maintains that Free Masonry has greatly improved the manners and disposi-
tions of the Germans, vol. ii, p. 200, noU,
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THE HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY. 75
CHAPTER V.
THE ROYAL ORDER OR HEREDOM DE KILWINNING.
The Knights of the Temple were introduced into Scotland before 1153
by King David the Firsts who established them at Temple^ on the South-
esk,^ and who was so attached to the brotherhood, that we are told by
an old historian " Sanctus David de proaclara Militia Templi optimos
^ Id the fourteenth century a general moTement was made to suppress The
Order of the Temple wherever it had obtained a footing, and on pages 31-33,
tupra, we sketched the severe persecution to which the Knights were subjected
in France in the reign of Philip the Fair ; that, and those which took place
elsewhere^ did not however dose the History of the Order, — though spoliated
it was not annihilated. Some renmants survived the ordeal ; one of these found
an asylum in Portugal on condition of changing its name to that of ** Knights of
Christ," becoming a mere honorary Order, and vesting in the Crown the
right of nominating its members : Another fotmd a retreat in Scotland, and
doubtless joined those of their Brethren already located there, an outline of
whose history forms the subject of this chapter. It is maintained that a third,
and the only legitimate branch, has been maintained in France by a Charter
granted by Jacques de Molay himself, before his martyrdom, and which has been
regularly transmitted and signed by a succession of Grand Masters, the highest
Nobles in France, to the present date; and though doubts have been thrown on
the antiquity of this document, yet it is certain that it bears the authentic
signature of the Regent Duke of Orleans in 1705, and thus has the sanction of
a sovereign authority. The late Duke of Sussex and Earl of Durham were for
a long time respeotiyely Grand Prion of England and Scotland in this Order,
and the celebrated Admiral Sir Sidney Smith died one of its principal chiefs.
The Marquis de Magny speaks of it as recognized in the North of Europe and
elsewhere, and further information may be obtained respecting it in his
work, in MUl's Chivalry, and in the Chevalier Bumes's Sketch of the Tem-
plars. The present body of Knight Templars in Scotland merely claim to be
the legitimate descendants, by adoption, of the original Knights of the Order.
s The original name of Temple, on the Southeek^ according to Chalmers, was
Balantrodach. In the Chartular of Aberdeen the Precept ory is styled << domus
Templi de Balantradock ;" and in the Chartular of the Abbey of Newbattle we
find mentioned, '' Magister et Fratres Templi de Blentodoch," which is a con-
traction or corruption of the same term. The place became known by the de-
signation of Temple only after the establishment of the Order there. This was
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76 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
fratres secam retinens, eos diebns et Doctibns moram saoram fecit esse
custodes."^ Malcolm, the grandson of David, conferred on the Brethren
" in liberam et pnram Eljmosynam unum plenarium Toftum in qnolibet
Burgo totios terras," which foundation was enlarged by his successors
William the Lion and Alexander the Second. The charter of the latter
is still in the possession of Lord Torphichen, whereby he grants and
confirms *' Deo et fratribus Templi Salomonis de Jerusalem omnes illas
rectitudines, libertatis et consuetudines quas Rex Dayid et Rex Malcolm
et decessus pater meus Rex Willielmus eis dederunt et concesserunt^
sicut scripta eorum authentica attestant." This curious document, after
enumerating certain of these rights and liberties, scilicet, — ^the king's
sure peace; the privilege of buying, selling, and trading with all
his subjects ; freedom from all tribute and toll, &c., proceeds ** Et nullus
eis injuriam faciat, vel fieri consentiat super meam defensionem. Et
ubicunque in tota terra mea ad judiorum (q. jvdicium) venerint, causa
eorum primum tractata, et prius rectum suum habeant, et postea faciant.
Et nullus ponat hominem predictorum fratrum nostrorum ad foram judicii
si noluerint, &c. Et omnes libertates et consuetudines quas ipsi per
alias region es habent in terra mea ubique habeant.*'
These general privileges, throughout Europe, were very extensive.
The Templars were freed from all tithes to the Church, and their priests
were entitled to celebrate mass, and to absolve from sins to the same
extent as bishops, — a privilege which was strongly objected to by the
the head-quarters of the Grand Preceptors of Scotland, and became, at the
sappression of the Templars, attached to the Hospital of St John. In the 15th
century Sir William Knolls, Grand Preceptor of St John's, obtained an Act of
Parliament changing the old name into that of the barony of St John, but
the people never conformed to the alteration. Part of the foundations of the
original convent were dug up about a century ago. The ancient chapel of the
Temple continued to be nsed till lately as the parish kirk ; but it is now partly
dilapidated, in consequence of a new church having been built. On the eastern
gable there is an antique inscription, formed with lead run into the letters,
which appears to be as follows : —
V iE 8 A C
M T H M.
These letters, when extended, may signify. Vita Sacrum MUitice Templi Htmh
Bolymitani ; or, Virgini JBdem Sacram Militia Templi Jlierosolyma Majiiter ; sup-
plying ccndidit or contecravit. The Virgin Mary, it is well known, was the
patroness of the Order. What monstrous mysteries would not the ingenious
Yon Hammer make these letters the vehicle of revealing I In the second line
the learned German could not fail to discover the presence of the Metis or Tau
of the Gnostics, whose doctrines, he insists, the Templars held, as attested by
their monumental remains, and by coins or medals imagined to refer to them.
1 Book of Cupar, quoted in Father Hay's MS.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 77
Litter. Their HouseB possessed the right of sanctuary or asylum for
criminals. They could be witnesses in their own cause, and were
exempted from giving testimony in that cause of others. They were
relieved by the Papal bulls from all taxes, and from subjection and
obedience to any secular power. By these great immunities the Order
was rendered in a manner independent ; but it would appear, neverthe-
less, that both the Templars and Hospitallers considered themselves
subjects of the countries to which they belonged, and took part in the
National wars, for we find by the Ragman Roll, '^Frere Johan de
Sautre, Mestre de la Cheualerie del Temple en Escoce," and another
Brother, swearing fealty to Edward I in 1296 ; and the author of the
Annals of Scotland, noticing the Battle of Falkirk, I2th July 1298,
informs us, that the only persons of note who fell were Brian le
Jay,^ Master of the English Templars, and the Prior of Torphichen in
Scotland, a Knight of another Order of religious soldiery. The former
of these Chevaliers met his death by the hand of the redoubted Sir
William Wallace, who advanced alone from the midst of his little band,
and slew him with a single blow, albeit he was a knight of high military
renown.
Little is known of the £Eurther history of the Knight Templars in
Scotland from the time of Alexander II to the beginning of the
14 th century, except that their privileges were continued to them by
succeeding kings, whose bounty and piety were in those ages continually
directed towards the religious Orders. By their endowments, and the
bequests of the nobles, the possessions of the Fraternity came to be so
extensive that their lands were scattered '' per totum regnum Scotise, a
limitibus versus Angliam, et sic discendo per totum regnum usque ad
Orchades." Besides the House of the Temple, in Mid-Lothian, the
following Establishments or Priories may be enumerated, viz. St Ger-
mains, in East Lothian ; Inchynan, in Renfrewshire ; Maryculter, in
Kincardineshire ; Aggerstone, in Stirlingshire ; Aboyne, in Aberdeen-
shire ; Derville or Derval, in Ayrshire j Dinwoodie, in Dumfriesshire ;
Red-abbey-stedd, in Roxburghshire ; and Temple Listen, in West-
Lothian.
The date of the spoliation of the Templars in Scotland corresponds
of course with that of the persecution of the Order in other countries,
but it is to the credit of our forefathers that we can obtain no account
of any member having been subjected to personal torture or suffering
amongst them ; their estates, however, appear to have been duly tians-
^ The drawbridge across the Forth and Clyde Uoion Canal at Brionsford,
corrupted to, and now known as Bainsford, in the Ticimty of Falkirk, is
traditionally believed to be the scene of the English Templar's death.
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78 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
ferred to the possession of their rivals the Knight Hospitallers ; into
which Order, like their Brethren in England, it is not improbable that
a number of the Templars entered.
In November 1309, John de Soleure, the Papal Legate, and William,
Bishop of St Andrews, held an Inquisitorial Court at the Abbey of
Holjrood to investigate the charges against the Templars, but Walter
de Clifton, Grand Preceptor of the Order in North Britain,^ and William
de Middleton, were the onlj two Knights who appeared before the
tribunal, from the proceedings of which, as recorded at length in
Wilkins's Consilia, making no allusion to any punishment being inflicted,
we may fairly conclude they were set at liberty. The Preceptor, in
his examination, readily confessed that the rest of the Brethren had fled,
and dispersed themselves propter scandalium exortum contra ordinem ;
and there is little doubt that the place of their refuge was with Robert
Bruce, at that time a fugitive, under whose standard they fought, until
the issue of the Battle of Bannockbum in 1314 placed him securely on
the Scottish throne. In gratitude for their services the former grants in
their fiEtvour were confirmed by him and continued by his successors.
The Knights of St John had also been introduced into Scotland by
David the First, and had a charter granted to them by Alexander
the Second, two years after that to the Templars. The Preceptory of
Torphichen, in West-Lothian, was their first, and continued to be their
chief residence, and by the accession of the Temple lands and other
additions, their property at the time of the Reformation came to be
immense.
About the commencement of the reign of James the Fourth, a union
was effected between the Knights of the Temple and of Saint John, and
the lands belonging to either body were consolidated. No documentary
evidence has been discovered to point out tho precise period of this
junction; and if such evidence does exist, it will probably be found
among the records of the Hospital.' But the hjoi of the union is estab-
^ It appears by the following extract from Clifton's examination, that the
Preceptor of Scotland was a subordinate officer to the Master, or Grand Prior
in England. " loterrogatus ; qnis recepit oam ad dictum ordinem et dedit ei
habitum ! dixit, qnod Frater Willielmus de la More oriundus de Comitatu
Ebor. tano et nunc Magister diet! Ordinis in Anglia et Scotia."
' Lord Torphichen, in bis claim for compensation, January 25, 1748, sajs, —
''Hugh Anderson, who was Clerk to the said Regality in the year 1722, as
appears by his commission produced, and who, as such, foil to bo possessed of
the Court Books and Papers belonging thereto, went off the Country abruptly
several years ago, without delivering up these Books and Papers ; and is now
settled in America."— TempUria, 1828. Part 1.
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THB HISTORY OF FBBB MASONRY. 70
lished beyond all doubt and cavil by the Charter of King James^ of date
19th October 1488, confirming the grants of lands made by his prede-
cessors to the Knights of the Temple and St John. — '^ Deo et Sancto
Hospitali de Jerusalem et fratribus ejusdem MilitisB Tempi! Salomonis."
From that Charter we learn that both Orders were then united and placed
under the superintendence of the Preceptor of Saint John, and there can
be no doubt that such an arrangement was both natural and politic. In
Scotland alone the Knights of the Temple possessed independent property,
and the ban against them being still in force throughout Europe, their
sphere of action was necessarily contracted, whilst, on the other hand, the
Knights of the Hospital were possessed of great influence and wealth, and
stood high in the favour of the Continental Sovereigns. Both Orders were
therefore represented in the Scottish Parliament by the Preceptor of
Saint John ; and down to the period of the Reformation the union remained
unbroken. When that event took place, the chief dignitary or Grand
Preceptor of the Order in Scotland, with a seat as a Peer in Parliament^
was Sir James Sandilands, a cadet of the family of Calder, whose head,
as is well known to readers of Scottish History, was the private friend
of John Knox, and one of the first persons of distinction to embrace
the Reformed Religion. We suepect that even before the promulgation
of the Statute of 1560, prohibiting all allegiance within the realm to
the See of Rome, the former personage had become indifferent to the
charge confided to him by the Order ; for a rescript from the Grand
Master and Chapter at Malta, dated as early as the 1st of October 1557,
and addressed to him, is still on record, wherein they complain " that
many of the possessions, jurisdictions, &c., were conveyed or taken away
from them contrary to the statutes and oaths, and to the damnation of
the souls as well of those who possessed them as of those who, without
snfiicient authority, yielded them up ; producing thereby great detriment
to religion and the said Commandery ;*' be this as it may, we are certain
however that the conversion of Sir James Sandilands, or, as he was
termed, the Lord of St John of Jerusalem in Scotland, was followed by
his surrender to the Crown of the whole possessions of the combined
Templars and Hospitallers, which, having been declared forfeited to the
State (on the ground that " the principal cause of the foundation of the
Proceptory of Torphichen, FrcUribus HospUalis Hief^osolimUani, Militi-
htu Templi Salomonis, was the service enjoined to the Preceptor on oath
to defend and advance the Roman Catholic Reli^on,") were, by a process
of transformation well understood by the Scottish Parliament of those
days, converted into a Temporal Lordship, which the unfortunate Queen
Mary, then only twenty years of age, and newly established amongst
her Scottish subjects, in consideration of a payment of ten thousand
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80 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
crowos of the San, and of his fidde^ nobUe, et gratuitum servUium, nobis
nostrisque patri et matri honcB memoricB, conferred on, or rather retraus-
ferred to, the Ex-Grand Preceptor, himself and his heirs, with the title
of Torphichen, which, although the estate is mnch dilapidated, still
remains in his family.^ All this was transacted on the petition of Sir
James Sandilauds himself, with the formal approbation of the National
Legislature ; and after renouncing the profession of a soldier-monk, we
find that the last of the Scottish Preceptors of St John became married^
and lived to a good old age, having died in 1596 without issue, when the
title of Torphichen passed to his grand nephew, the lineal descendant of
his elder brother, Sir John Sandilands of Calder. The Knights, thus
deprived of their patrmonial interest, drew off in a body, with David
^ The reader will find the Preceptor's motives and proceedings explained in
an authentic family docament, printed from a manuscript copy in the Advocates'
Library, in a little work named, ** Tem plana." Edinburgh, 1828. We extract
from it the following account of the surrender of the Preceptory : — '* He per-
sonally compeirit in presence of the Queen's Majesty, the Lord Chanoelour, the
Earles of Murray, Mariachall, and diuers others of her Hiehnes Privy Council,
and there, as the only lawful undoubted Titular, and present possessor of the
Lordship and Preceptorie of Torphephen, which was never subject to any Chap-
ter or Conuent whatsomever, except only the Knights of Jerusalem and Temple
of Solomon, Genibus flexis et reverentia qua decuit, resigned and onergave in
the hands of our Souerane Lady, his undoubted Superior, ad perpetuam rema-
nentiam, all Right, Property, and Possession, which he had, or any way could
preteud to the said Preceptorie, or any part thereof, in all time Coming ; to the
effect the same might remain perpetually with her Hyeness and her Succes-
sours, as a Part of Property and Patrimony of her Crown for ever. After this
resi|>iiation in the Queen's Majesty's hands, ad remanentiam, of this Benefice,
be the lawful Titular thereof, her Hyeness, in remembrance of the good service
of the said Sir James Sandilands, gave and grantid and dispon'd, in feu-farme,
heritably, to the said Sir James, his heirs and assignies. All and ELaill, the said
Preceptorie and Lordship."
That the payment of the above sum of ten thousand crowns of the Sun sub-
sequently involved Sandilands in serious difficulties and embarrassments, we
are instructed by the works referred to, in which it is stated that—*' albeit the
charter bears present payment of ten thousand crowns, that the money was
paid at dlvei's times, partly upon Her Majesty's precepts to her servants, Fi'ench
Paris, Sir Robert Melvin, Sir James Balfour, and Captain Anstruther ; and the
rest of the sum to Mr Robert Richardson, treasurer for the time, whereof there
is a receipt under the Privy Seal. That a great part of that money, numbered
in gold and silver, was borrowed from Timothy Curneoli, an Italian gentleman
of the Preceptor's acquaintance at Genoa, and a banker of the house of ,
resident in Scotland for the time. That this nobleman being burtheiied with
great debts, for his exoneration and relief was forced to let in feu-farm his own
roumes for a reasonable composition," &c. ; and he was afterwards obliged to
part with some of the larger baronies of the estate.
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1 il60JB[)litollm
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 81
Seton, nephew of Lord Seton, at their head/ The charter conyeyiiig to
Sir James Sandilands the Hospitaller Lands, <feo., is dated at Edinburgh
the 24th March 1563, and shows that there were no less than eight
baronies then in possession of the Order, viz., Torphichen, Listoun,
Balintrodo, Tankertoun, Denny, Marycnlter, Stennop, and Goalta :
and, in right of the Order, he enjoyed the Church patronage of Tor-
phichen, Inchinnan, Maiycnlter, Tullaich, and Aboyue. His predeces-
sor in the Preceptory was Sir Walter Lindesay, thus celebrated by
Sir David Lindsay of the Mount, Lord Lyon King-at-Arms, in the
" Testament of Squyer Meldrum," —
^ The wise Sir Walter Lindesay they him call.
Lord of St John, and Knight of Toiphiohen,
By sea and land, a valiant Capitane,"
and whose monument, representing a skeleton with crossed hands, is still
to be seen at the Preceptory, bearing the inscription, ** Valterus Linde-
say, Miles, Justiciarius Generalis de Scotland, et Principalis Preceptor
Torphicensis, ob: 1538."" He had succeeded Sir George Dundas, one of
the most accomplished courtiers and scholars of the age, who is thus
described by Hector Boece, his schoolfellow, " Georgius Dundas Grecas
atque Latinas literas opprime doctus, equitum Hieroslymitanorum intra
Scotorum regnnm, Magistratum multo sudore (superatis emulis) postea
adepttts." The predecessor of Sir George Dundas was Sir William
KnoUys, who ruled the Preceptory for half a century, having been
ordained by the Grand Master at Rhodes in 1463. King James III
created him High Treasurer in 1468, and his son again appointed him
in 1489 to coUect tho King's revenues in Linlithgowshire. He was slain
at the Battle of Flodden Field, on the 11th of September 1513. In
earlier times the Preceptors sat in Parliament, alternately, among the
higher Clergy and Temporal Barons, but James IV created Sir William
Knollys a peer, by the title of Lord of St John, which descended to his
successors in office. In the reigns of James II and Robert Bruce, the
Preceptors of St John were respectively Sir Henry Livingston and Sir
Radulph de Lindesay ;' and we learn from the Ragman Roll that the
^ We learn this from the Historical Sketch which precedes the Statutes of
the Scottish Order of 1843 ; but we cannot trace it farther.
' There is an interesting acconot of the Preceptory, as it now stands^ in the
Statistical Account of Scotland, Vol. ii. Edinburgh, 1845.
' It would appear from the report of the Grand Prior in England, Philip de
Thame, to the Grand Master de Yillanova, for 1338^ lately printed by the Cam-
den Society, that the Commanderies in Scotland produced nothing at that date,
** quia omnino destructa sunt, ambusta, et adnullata, propter fortem guerram
6
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82 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
predecessor of the latter, Alexander de Welles, " Gardeyn del Hospital
de Saint Johan de Jerusalem/' swore fealty to Edward I at Berwick, on
28tli Aogast 1296. He was slain at the Battle of Falkirk, 12th July
1298. The bnly Preceptor previous to hina, who can be traced, is
" Archibaldus^ Magister Torphichen," who appears as a witness to a
charter of Alexander, Grand Steward of Scotland, dated 1 252.
From the era of the Reformation ' the combined Order of the Temple
and Hospital appears in Scotland only as a Masonic body ;^ but the
late Mr Deuchar ay erred that, so early as 1590, a few of the Brethren
had become mingled with the Architectural Fraternities, and that a
Lodge at Stirling, patronized by King James, had a Chapter of Templars
attached to it, who were termed cross-legged Masons ; and whose ini-
tiatory ceremonies were performed not in a room, but in the Old Abbey,
the ruins of which are still to be seen in the neighbourhood. The first
authentic notice we can find on the subject is in M. Thory's excellent
Chronology of Masonry, wherein it is recorded that about 1728 Sir
John Mitchell Ramsay, the well-known author of Cyrus, appeared in
per multos annos coutinuatam : " but that the produce of them had been three
hundred marks. — F. 201.
^ The Order of St John, which was suppressed by Henry YIII, was
re-introduc'ed into England by Philip and Mary who, at the instance of
Cardinal Pole, formed Sir T. Tresham, Prior, Sir R. Shelley, Tttreopolier,
Sir Peter Felix de la Nuca, BaVli de Aqmla, and others of the Knights,
into a Corporation per namm Prioria et Oonfraimm S, Jokaiwnu Jerudalem, in
Anglia; and in James the Second's reign we find the Duke of Berwick
Grand Prior of England. In our own days the Sixth or English Langne of the
Order has been resuscitated by virtue of powers granted in 1827 by the Com-
mander de Dienne and others, forming a Capitulary Commiigsion, delegated
to act by a Chapter-General of the Langues of Provence, Anvergne, France,
Arragon, and Castile, (being a majority of the eight Langues,) held at Paris
under the Presidentship of Prince CamiUe de Rohan, Grand Prior of Aquitaine,
in 18] 4, whose proceedings were sanctioned, and afterwards confirmed, hy tlie
Lieutenant of the Magistery and the Sacred CouncU at Catania ; and under
which powers the late Sir Robert Peat, D.D., Chaplain to George lY, was
installed as Grand Prior in 1831, and as such took the oath de Jideli, and
formally revived the Corporation before the Court of King's Bench 24th Febru-
ary 1834. These formalities were gone through at the instance, it is understood,
of Sir Lancelot Shad well, Vico-Chancellor of England, who was soon after
elected a Knight of the Langue. Since the death of Sir Rohert Feat, in 1837,
the Head of the Langue has been Sir Henry Dymoke of Scrivelsby, 17th
Hereditary Champion of England ; and until 1850, the Sub- Prior was the late
Sir J. C. Meredyth, Bart., Chevalier de St Louis, who having received the
accolade as a Knight of St John, at the hands of the 69th Grand Master, De
Hompesch, was able, by ancient knightly usage, to transmit the distinction. —
Vide Sir R. Broun's Synoptical Sketch.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 83
London with a system of Scottish Masonry, up to that date perfectly
unknown in the metropolis, tracing its origin from the Crusades, and
consisting of three degrees, the Bcaamis, the Novice, and the Knight
Templar, The English Grand Lodge rejected the system of Ramsay,
but if credit is to be given to a letter from the Duke of Perth to Lord
Ogilvie in 1745, recently published, it shone forth for a moment at
Holyrood at that date. During his short stay at that Palace, Charles
Stuart is stated to have taken his profession as a Templar, and to have
" looked most gallantly in the white robe of the Order," which is not
improbable, as the works of Thory, Clave), and others, have since proved
that to obtain their objects the Stuart family made unceasing use of
Free Masonry in all it« forms, endeavouring to apply its ancient legends
to the modem History of Charles I, and to the cruelty of Cromwell .and
his confederates. After the Battle of Culloden, Ramsay, as is well
known, along with the other adherents of the Stuart Family, transfer-
red his system to the Continent, where it became the comernstone of
the kauts grades, and the foundation of those innumerable ramifications
into which an excellent and naturally simple institution has been very
uselessly extended in France, Germany, and other countnes abroad.^
In pursuing the very curious subject of the hauts grades, we may
observe, however, that they never obtained much consideration during
the lifetime of Ramsay, although they are invariably traced to him and
to Scotland, the fairy land of Foreign Masonry,' but gathered their chief
impulse from the disgraceful dissentions in the Masonic Lodges at Paris
about the middle of last century, which induced the Chevalier de Bon-
neville, and other distinguished persons at the Court of France, to form
themselves into a separate institution, named the Chapitre de Clermont,
in honour of one of the Princes of the Blood, Louis de Bourbon, Prince
de Clermont, then presiding over the Masonic Fraternities. In this
Chapter they established, amongst other degrees, Ramsay's system of
the Masonic Templars, which, along with other high grades, was soon
conveyed into the northern kingdoms of Europe by the officers of the
French army, but especially by the Marquis de Bemez and the Baron
^ II est certain que I'invention des hauts grades mayonniques a fait le plus
grand tort i, rinstitution, en d^naturant son objet, et en Taffublant de titres
pompeux et de cordons que ne lui appartiennent pas. On couviendra que
jamais elle n'e<it 6te proscrite, dans uoe partie d'AUemagne, si les dissentions
occasioneds par la Stricte-Observance, les pretentiona de soi disant saccessears
des Fr^res de la Rose Croix, et snrtont Tinvention de riUaminatisme qu'on
introduifilt dans quelques L. n'euasent rendu ** I'association suspect^ auz gou-
vememens." — Acta Latomonim.
^ There have been at least a hundred grades of Continental Masonry denomi-
nated *' Ecossais.'*
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84 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
de Hund, the latter of whom amplified it into his Templar Regime
de la Stricte-Observance, which occupied for seyeral years so promi-
. nent a place in the Secret Societies of Germany. This adventurer
appeared in that country with a patent under the sign-manual of Prince
Charles Stuart, appointing him Grand Master of the serenth provincei
which he affirmed had been made over to him by the Earl Marischal
on his death-bed, and with a plausible tale of the antiquity of his
Order, which he deriyed of course from Scotland, where the chief seat of
the Templars was Aberdeen; and the delusions on the subject took
such a hold in Germany, that they were not altogether dispelled until
a deputation had actually visited Aberdeen, and found amongst the
worthy and astonished Brethren there, no trace either of very ancient
Templars or Free Masonry.^ From some of the Continental States it is
conjectured that Masonic Templary was transplanted into England and
Ireland, in both of which countries it has continued to draw a languid
existence.
During the whole of the eighteenth century the Scottish Order can be but
faintly traced, though Mr Deuchar had in 1836 the assurance of well-in-
formed Masons that thirty or forty years previous, they knew old men who
had been members of it for sixty years ; and it had sunk so low at the time
of the French Revolution, that the sentence which the Grand Lodge of
Scotland fulminated in 1792 against all degrees of Masonry except those
of St John, was expected to put a period to its existence. Soon after
this, however, some active individuals revived it, and with the view of
obtaining documentary authority for their Chapters, as well as of avoiding
any infringement of the Statutes then recently enacted against secret
societies, adopted the precaution of accepting Charters of Constitution
from a body of Masonic Templars, named the Early Grand Encampment,
in Dublin, of whose origin we can find no account^ and whose legitimacy,
to say the least, was quite as questionable as their own.' Several Char-
ters of this description were granted to different Encampments of Tem-
plars in Scotland about the beginning of the present century, but these
bodies maintained little concert or intercourse with each other, and were
certainly not much esteemed in the countiy. Afiairs were in this state
when, about 1808, Mr Alexander Deuchar was elected Commander, or
Chief of the Edinburgh Encampment of Templars, and his brother^
Major David Deuchar, along with other Officers of the Royal Regiment^
^ It uB stated in the Freemasons' Review, that according to authentic docu-
ments, the Aberdeen Lodge has existed since 1541.
' Glavel alludes, in a very uncomplimentary manner, to the introduction of
these grades at Edinburgh in 1796. — MaQonnerie Pittoresque, Paris, 1844,
p. 204, in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE HAJ90NRY. 85
was iDitiated into the Order. This infasion of persons of higher rank
and better information gaye an immediate impulse to the Institution^ and
a General Conyocation of all the Templars of Scotland, bj representa-
tiyes, haying taken place in Edinburgh, they unanimously resolyed to
discard the Irish Charters, and to rest their claims, as the representatiyes
of the Ancient Knights, on the general belief and traditions of the coun-
try. They further determined to entreat the Duke of Kent, the chief of
the Masonic Templars in Engknd, to become the Patron Protector of
the Order in North Britain, offering to submit themselyes to His Royal
Highness in that capacity, and to accept from him a formal Charter of
Constitution. The Duke of Kent lost no time in complying with their
request, and his Charter, erecting them into a Conclaye of " Knights of
the Holy Temple and Sepulchre, and of St John of Jerusalem, H.R.D.M.
t K.D.S.H.," bears date the 19th of June 1811. By a proyision in it,
Mr Deuchar, who had been nominated by the Brethren, was appointed
Gkand Master for life.^
These new and yigorous measures rescued the Order from obscurity ;
and in its improyed condition we find that it continued rapidly to
flourish, numbering, in the course of a few years, no less than forty
Encampments or Lodges holding of its Conclaye in different parts of the
British Dominions. In 1828, the Order seemed to haye receiyed a fresh
impulse, and assumed a noyel and interesting aspect, by the judicious in-
troduction of the ancient chiyalric costume and forms. Dissensions, neyer-
theless, unfortunately occurred, from 1830 to 1835, tending to impede
its progress, and for a while it may be said to haye again almost fiskllen
into abeyance. In the end of the latter year howeyer, a body of gentie-
men undertook the trouble and expense of resuscitating it, with the
view of establishing in Edinburgh Masonic re-unions, somewhat re-
sembling those of the Prince of Wales's Lodge in London, where humbler
Brethren are not subjected to heayy pecuniary payments. At their
suggestion Mr Deuchar resigned the Grand Mastership, and the Statute
was strictly enforced, by which it was imperative that all Candidates for
admis^n should be Royal Arch Masons ; while new regulations were
also established. In January 1836, Admiral Sir David Milne, G. C. B.,
was unanimously elected Grand Master, and at a general election in
the same mouth. Lord Ramsay (the present Marquis of Dalhousie) was
appointed his Depute j the various other offices in the Order being
filled by gentlemen, generally well known, and of an honourable station
in society. In the course of three months after the election, not
^ It has been stated that the Duke of Kent granted this Charter in viiiae of
his being a Chevalier of the Order in France ; but this is a mistake, as no Pro-
testants had been, admitted into that Order in 1811.
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86 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
fewer than a hundred persoDs, chiefly men of fortune, officers, and
members of the learned professions, had been received into the Edin-
burgh Canongate Kilwinning Priory or Encampment alone.
On the demise of Admiral Sir David Milne, the Knights in Chapter-
General unanimously chose His Grace George Augustus Frederick John,
sixth Duke of Athole, K.T., to be Grand Master, who was installed
with great pompon the 11th March 1846, in the Music Hall, Edinburgh,
which was gorgeously decorated for the occasion with the banners of the
Knights, <kc/ Under his judicious sway various Priories have been
established and dormant ones revived, and the Order has assumed an
importance and dignity worthy of the highest dass of gentlemen con-
nected with the Masonic Institutions of Scotland.
This Sketch of the Templars would probably be incomplete without
alluding more particularly to the Ordre du Temple in France, already
mentioned in a note. Mills, Sutherland,^ de Magny, Dumas,' Bnmes,
Gregoire,'* and other authorities, all shew that the Order although
^ An Historical Painting, commemorative of the Installation of His Grace,
was executed bj Frater Stewart Watson of Edinburgh, and is now in the
Chambers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland ; all the Knights introduced are
portraits.
^ ** The persecution of the Templars, and the spoliation of their possessions^
annihilated the Order as a political body ; bat its suppression as a confraternity
was not entirely accomplished. Jacques de Molai, anticipating martyrdom,
named a successor to the Grand Mastership, and the succession has been main-
tained regularly and uninterruptedly to the present day, &c.*' — Achievements
of the Knights of Malta, vol. i, p. 265.
' ** L'Ordre des Templiers, que Ton croyait aboli, parattrait an contraire
s'^tre conserve jusqu'k nos jours, sans que ses reunions conventuelles aient cesse,
sans que la succession legitime et legale des Grand Mattres, depuis Jacques de
Molay, ait 4i6 interrompue." — Dumas, Gaule et France, 1833.
^ *< Aux con jecturessubstituaut la r^ali to, paraissentles Templiers actuel8,avec
une collection de monumena L'authenticit^ de plusienrs peut §tre ^g&lement
d^fendue sans preuve et attaqu6e sans prenve. Vous me montrez des ossemens
recueillis dans le bOcher du Grand Mattre,r6p6e du martyr, le casque du martyr,
Guy Dauphin d'Auvergne ; la pat^ne, la crosse et les mitres primatiales ; mais
sur ces objets, on n'a de garant que le t^moignage traditionnel des d^positaires.
Je Buis moins hardi k contester sur ce drapeau uomm6 le Beau C^nt^ et ces
sceaux avec des lOgendes en caractdres particuliers k I'ordre doht on trouvera
Talphabet k la suite de ce chapitre. L'Histoire de I'Art fixe leur origine aux
^poques contemporaines des Templiers ; d'un autre cdte, leur structure atteste
la destination que vous leur assignez ; mais mes doutes presque tons 8*6vanouis-
sent k Taspect de cette charte de transmission, r^dig^e en 1324, par le grand-
maitre Jean- Marc Larmenins, suocesseur immcdiat de Jacques Molay. Cetto
charte Latine est 6crite en caract^res particuliers k I'ordre. L'imposture a forg^
quelquefois des dipldmes et m§me des m^dailles. On connatt les fameuses
padeuannet; mais Toriginal de la charte dont il s'agit, soumis k Texamen
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 87
suppressed, has never been dissolved in that country ; ^ and the case is
thus saocinctlj stated by Mills in his History of Chiralry : —
" But the persecution of the Templars in the fourteenth century does
not close the history of the Order ; for, though the Knights were spo-
liated, the Order was not annihilated. In truth, the cavaliers were not
guilty, — ^the brotherhood was not suppressed, — and, startling as is the
assertion, there has been a succession of Knight Templars from the
twelfth century down even to these days ; the chain 'of transmission is
perfect in all its liiiks. Jacques de Molay, the Grand Master at the
time of the persecution, anticipating his own martyrdom, appointed as
his successor in power and dignity, Johannes Marcus Larmenius of
Jerusalem, and from that time to the present there has been a regular
and uninterrupted line of Grand Masters. The Charter' by which the
d'hommes yera^a dans Ia diplomatique, ne lenr offre aucune trace, d'apr^s la-
quelle on puisse Targuer de faux. Sur ces faits, les Templiers etahlissant que
I'existence deTordre nefut jamais interrompue,a88ureiit qu'en 1324, les Templiers
ecossais, exeomtnmni^]par le Grand Maitre Larmenius, n'etaient qu'une contrefa-
9on de I'ordre da Temple, qui devint ensuite la tige dessociet^sma^onniques." —
Histoire des Seetes Religieuses, par M. Gregoire, ancien ^v^que de Blois,
tome 2. Paris, 1828.
^ The Penny Magazine of 1836-7 enumerates " the Ordre du Temple," as one
of the recognised Orders of Knighthood.
' No mystery exists in our days with respect to this Charter. M. Thory
gives a minute description of it from personal observation, as well as
copies of it, and of the Statutes, from the originals, {Vide Acta Latamomm,
vol. II, p. 139,) and it was submitted to the inspection of nearly two hundred
Knights at the Convent-General held at Paris in 1810. The written ac-
ceptation on it by the Duke de Duras in 1681, was ascertained by the late
Dr Morison in 1837, to be genuine, which is important, as it disconnects the
Order with a profligate dub established in France in 1682, calling itself '' The
Templars ; " and it is further fortified by the undoubted signature of the Duke
of Orleans, and that Prince's attestation, propria manuy of the Statutes of the
Convent-Greneral of Versailles in 1705, which have been handed down along
with it. But Clavel, a French Masonic writer, evidently conceiving the Order
to be a high grade of Masonry, which it is not, has attacked all its titles with
great severity; and in this has been aided by two persons who had been
eliminated from it, the one a Scotch follower of Thomas Paine, who wished to
exclude all religion,and the other a bigoted Portuguese, who denounced Bernard
Raymund for admitting a heretic Protestant. The documents which they
communicated to Clavel are to be found in the handwriting of one of them in
the Library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and consist chiefly of exposures
of certain relics injudiciously produced, and lengthy dissertations on the
Levitikatif a Theological work by Bernard Kaymund, with which we have no
concern, as it is not one of the titles of the Order. They should be read at the
same time with the Acts of the Convent- General held at Paris in 1836-7, by
which the writer was unanimously expelled the Order, and an official Ritual,
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88 THE HISTORY OF FREE HA60NRY.
supreme autbority has been transmitted, is judicial and condosiye ovi-
dence of the Order's continued existence. This Charter of transmission,
with the signatures of the yarious chiefs of the Temple, is preseryed at
Paris, with the ancient statutes of the Order^ the rituals, the records^
the seals, the standards, and other memorials of the early Templars.^
" The brotherhood has been headed by the bravest cavaliers in France ;
by men who, jealous of the dignities of knighthood, would admit no cor-
ruption, no base copies of the orders of chivalry, and who thought that
the shield of their nobility was enriched by the impress of the Templars*
red cross. Bertrand du Guesclin^ was the Grand Master ftom 1357 till
in which, years after he had communicated his prooft to Clavel, he still desig-
nates himself a Grand Cross and Grand Prior of the Temple. Both these indi-
viduals had gone on for above ten years testifying, as high office-bearers, to the
perfect truth of the Charter, but they finally ended by representing that it
was forged in 1700, by an Italian Jesnit, named Bonanni, an assertion for
which there is not one tittle of evidence, and cannot be^ since, the Order
having been handed down in secret through a small number of noble families,
history is altogether mute as to the Charter till the death of the Duke de Goas6
Brissac. A Belgian writer has replied ably to such mis-statements : — '^ Les
noms les plus illustres de France figurent dans cette noble s^rie, et nous ne
pouvons soufirir qu'on accuse d'avoir invents un rite ma^<mnigue rSeeni le diposi-
taire l^gal, en 1804^ de cette Charte, quelque deplorable abus que cet homme
ait fait plus tard dn pouvoir qui lui avait M confie par ses Fr^res, et bien
que son absurde despotisme ait mis le Tetnple k deux doigts de sa perte.
Les signatures des Grand Maitres acceptants, tont connues et otU Oi vStifiAs;
nous en appellerions au besoin aux t^moignages des savants Munter et Ore-
goire. Ces t^moignages out ^t4 plus d'uue fois imprimis ; les contester, con-
tester I'authenticittf des signatures, c'est faire injure aux noms les plus respec-
tables^ c'est accuser' de faux Philippe d^OrUoM et aprds lui trois autres membres
de la maison de Bourbon. Philippe d^OrUcvM qui, bientdt apr^s Regent du
Royaume de France, mit sa gloire k garantir de tons les dangers qui Tenviron-
naient son royal pupille et d^aigna de devenir Roi avant son tour, aurait
commis un fanuc pour devenir le Grand Hattre d'un Ordre chevaleresque
apocryphe et oblig6 de se cacher ! Qui croirait d une semblable accusation f
Que dire d'ailleurs de la sottise de tant de milliers de Chevaliers dupes d'une
aussi grossi^re mystification T' — Essai Sur L'ECistoire de L'Ordre desTempliers.
Bruxellee, 1840.
1 See the Charter in fiiU, in a *< Sketch of the History of the Knights Temp-
lars, by James Burnes, LL.D., F.B.S., Knight of the Guelphs of Hanover. 2d
Edition. Edinburgh, 1840. See also Appendix No. YI, of this volume.
* The signature of Bertrand du Guesdin is by a cross, as we learn from the
'^Becherohes Historiqnes sur les Templiers," Paris, 1835, in the Library
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. — <* C'est que Duguesolin, en 1357, avait
accepts la souveraine magistrature du Temple, et que la croix de ce guerrier,
qui nesavait pas signer, figurait sou acceptation sur la charte de Larm^nius.'' —
P. 27.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRT. 89
bis death in 1380^ and he was the only F^enoh commander who pre-
vailed over the chivalry of oar Edward III. From 1478 to 1497, we
may mark Robert Lenonconrt, a cavalier of one of the most ancient and
valiant families of Lorraine. Phillippe Ghabot, a renowned captain iu
the reign of Francis I, wielded the staff of power from 1516 to 1543.
The illustrioos family of Montmorency appear as Knight Templars,
and Heniy, the first dnke, was the ohief of the Order from the year 1574
to 1614. At the dose of the seventeenth century, the Grand Master
was James Henry de Duras, a marshal of France, the nephew of Tnr-
enne, and one of the most skilful soldiers of Louis XIV. The Grand
Masters from 1724 to 1776 were three princes of the royal Bourbon
fiunily. The ndmes and years of power of these royal personages who
acknowledged the dignity of the Order of the Temple, were Louis
Augustus Bourbon, Duke of Maine, 1724-1737 ; Louis Henry Bourbon
Cond€, 1737-1741 ; and Louis Francis Bourbon Conty, 1741-1746.
The successor of these princes in the Grand Mastership of the Temple
was Louis Hercules Timoleon, Duke de Gos86 Brissao, the descendant of
an ancient fiftmily, long celebrated in French history for its loyalty and
gallant bearing. He accepted the office in 1776, and sustained it till he
died in the cause of royalty At the beginning of the French Revolution.
The order has now its Grand Master, Bemardus Raymundus Fabr^
Palaprat/ and there are Colleges in England and in many of the chief
cities in Europe.
^ This personage, although a man of high education, an tleve of the Univerflitj
of Montpelier, Doctor of the Faculty of Paris, and Chevalier of the Legion of
Honour, was not of dignity sufficient to succeed the Montmorencies and Gond^
of France as Grand Master. He had been elected only till some illustrious
nobleman could be obtained ; and as ancient feeUngs revived in France, luces-
saut e£R>rt8, embittered poflsibly by his liberal notions of religion, were made to
force him to abdicate in favour of the Duke de Choiseul, or the Counts Le
Peletier D' Aunay and De CbabriUan. Clavel even alleged that he was not the
Intimate representative of the Duke de Coss^ Briesac ; but, apart from the
attestation on the Charter written in his presence on the 10th June 1804, by
the Magistral Vicar, Radix de Chevilliou, that he had received his authority
from the Duke, and his own acceptation a few months later, we have the posi-
tive and public averment of the Duke de Choiseul in fitvour of the legitimate
continuation of the Order through the Revolution ; and it is decisive, inasmuch
as he lived through that troubled period, and was Bernard Raymundus rival,
and must have been an associate of the Duke de Coss^ Brissac. The following
are his words delivered at a Public Chapter of the Knights, held at Paris in
the year 1837, as printed in the " Ordre des Chevaliers du Temple, Bruzelles^
1840,'' now in the Library of the Grand Lodge of BcoUand :•— *' Jamais la
succession des Grand Maltres ne fut interrompue, et M. de Brissac, vertueuz
et fiddle oomme Molay, fit comme oe dernier h6ros ; il usa de toute sa puisBanoe,
nomma son successeur, et, pr^s d'etre assassin^, lui remit la plenitude de see
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90 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" Thus the very ancient soyereign Order of the Temple is now in full
and chivalric existence, like those Orders of Knighthood which were
either formed in imitation of it, or had their origin in the same noble
principles of chivalrj. It has mourned as well as flourished, but there
is in its nature and constitution a principle of yitality which has carried
it through all the storms of fate ; its continuance, by representatives as
well as by title, is as indisputable a fact as the existence of any other
chiyalrio fraternity. The Templars of these days claim no titular rank,
yet their station is so far identified with that of the other orders of
knighthood, that they assert equal purity of descent from the same
bright source of chivaliy ; nor is it possible to impugn the le^timate
claims to honourable estimation, which the modem brethren of the
Temple derive from the untiquity and pristine lustre of their Order,
without at the sametime shaking to its centre the whole venerable
fabric of knightly honour."
To this we have only to add that on the demise of the Grand Master
Bernard Raymund, in 1838, he was succeeded in the regency of the
order by Admiral Sir Sidney Smith, who held sway till his death in
1840; and that, at that date, it numbered amongst the British subjects
enrolled as its office-bearers, the names of the Duke of Sussex, Grand
pouvoirs. Le Chevalier du Temple, Chevillon, remit las titres et ponvoirs, dans
ces temps r^volutionnaires, k trois Chevaliers, Ledm, De Saintot et Deconr-
chant, qui s'adjoig^nirent M. Fabr^-Palaprat. Cest ainsi qui par diversee circon-
Btances, ce dernier s'est trouvd d la t^te de L'Ordre. Bientdt et malgr^ lea repr6-
sentatioDs aussi respectuensea qa'amicales de plnsieurs Chevaliers et de moi-
mdme, le syst^me antique de L'Ordre changea de nature.'' The Duke goes on to
complain of the monstrous innovations on the mle of St Bernard, the charter of
transmission, and the Statutes of 1705, introduoed by the Grand Master, &o. ;
but the work we have quoted contains a farther address from the Count de
Chabrillan in 1838, giving precisely the same account of the continuation of the
Order. Clavel admits that Bernard Raymund reproduced it under the garb of
Masonry in 1806, in a new Lodge called the " Chevaliers de la Croix," which
was immediately recruited from another of ** personnes de haut rang, telles que
fr^res de Choisenl, de Chabrillon, de Vergennes^ de Dillon, de Coigny, de
Montesquiou, de Narbonne, de Bethune, de Montmorency, de la Tour du Pin,
D'Aligre, de Labourdonnaye, de Sennones, de Cmssol, de Nanteuil, de Flahaut,"
&c. &c., many of whom, like the puke de Choiseul, must have been formerly
associating with the Duke de Coss^ Brissac, the recently murdered Grand
Master. At a later date the same authority states that Carnot, Ney, Napol6on,
de Montebello, Isambert, Chatelain, Montalivet, &c., were not only members of
tho Ordre du Temple, but remonstrating seriously with the Grand Master on its
affairs ; and the enquiry naturally arises, what could have attracted these great
men, and almost all the ancient Noblesse resident at the capital, to the standard
of Bernard Raymund, then a humble physician in Paris, if he himself was an
impostor, and his Order a delution f
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TUE HIJ9T0RY OF FREE MASONRY. 91
Prior of England ; the Dnke of Leinster, Grand Prior of Ireland ; the
Earl of Darham^ Grand Prior of Scotland ; the Chevalier Bornes, (Grand
Master of Scottish Free Masons in India^) Grand Preceptor of Soathem
Asia; the Cheyalier Tennyson D*Ejncoart, Grand Prior of Italy; General
George Wright, Grand Prior of India, &e,, kc, while, amongst its fnno-
tionaries in France, we find the Prince Alexandre de Wirtemberg, the
Dukes de Choiseol and Montmorency, and the Counts Le Peletier
D'Aunay^ de Lanjuinais, de Brack, de Chabrillan, de Magny, de Dienne,
and others equally distinguished. Latterly, in consequence of political
changes in France, an institution so much identified with ancient
nobility and tradition has naturally fidlen into abeyance, but it still
numbers about thirty British members, most of whom are officers in the
Public Service of India, received by the Grand Preceptor of Southern
Asia, under Legatine powers from the Grand Master, Bernard Raymund,
sanctioned by the Duke of Sussex, without whose approval no British
subject was admissible.
After this short account of the continuation of the Order, it may be
interesting to make a brief abstract of the Statutes established by the Con-
vent-General held at Versailles in 1705 . The Order of the Fellow Soldiers
of the Temple consists of two distinct classes, termed a Superior and
Inferior Militia ; the former comprising all knights consecrated accord-
ing to rites, rides, and usages, with their Esquires ; and the latter, the
humbler Brethren, or persons admitted, propter artem, and the candidates,
or as they are designated, the postulants, for the honors of chivalry.
Except as a serving brother no one is eligible even to the lower grade,
who is not of distinguished rank in society, which in Great Britain is
understood to imply that station in life which would entitle a gentleman
to attend the Court of his Sovereign. The Candidate must moreover be
strongly recommended by Sponsors as a Christian^ of liberal education,
eminent for virtue, morals, and good breeding ; and in no case is a strict
scrutiny into these qualifications dispensed with, unless he be a Knight
of Christ, a Teutonic Knight, or the descendant of a Knight Templar.
Should he be ambitious of the rank of Novice Esquire, which usually
precedes Knighthood, he is farther called on to produce proofs of nobility
in the fourth generation ;' and a deficiency in this requisite can only be
supplied by a formal decree of the Grand Master conferring on him the
nobility necessary for his reception. Considerable fees are paid by all
intrants ; and members, on being promoted to the equestrian honors of
^ ** Nullos ad initiationem aooedit, nisi Christianus, liberaliter instituttu^ civili
ordtno iosigiiis, virtute, moribos, fide et nrbanitate prsBStantissimus."
' ^ Nullus ad novitiatum armigerorum accedit, nisi genere in qiiarto gradu
sit nobiUs."
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the Order, are expected to make an oblation to the Treasury, the amoant
of which cannot be less than four drachms of gold, bat generally yery far
exceeds that sam. Before receiving the yow of profession, which is still
administered to all Chevaliers, the Candidate makes a solemn declaration
either that he does not belong to the Order of Malta,^ or that he abjures
the spirit of rival hostility which actuated the Knights of St John in
former days against the Templars. These preliminaries being arranged,
his petition is finally decided on either in a Conventual house, or by the
special legate of the Grand Master, in whose name only his reception can
be proclaimed; and once armed a Knight, and consecrated a Chevalier
of the Temple, he cannot, on any pretence whatever, renounce the Order.
At the head of the Hierarchy of the Order ranks the Convent-General,
or assembly of the Knights, but the executive power is vested in the
Magistere, consisting of the Grand Master, and his four Deputes, or
Vicarii Magistrales. After these follow the members of the Grand
Council, which consists of the Supreme Preceptor, and eight Grand
Preceptors, the Primate of the Order, and his four Coadjutors General,
with all the Grand Priors, Ministers, and other principal dignitaries that
may be present at the Magisterial City. Each nation of the Order is
presided over by its Grand Prior, appointed for life, whose language
comprises the various subordinate divisions of Bailiwicks or Provinces ;
Commauderies ; Convents of Knights and Noviciate Esquires ; Abbeys
of Ladies and Canonesses ; Chapters of Postulants, and Conclaves of
Initiation. Except in special cases, no Chevalier is eligible for a Com-
mandery before the expiration of two years from his having obtained the
honours of knighthood, and in like manner no Commander can be
appointed a Bailli, nor any Bailli a Grand Prior, before the same period
has intervened.
In concluding these observations, we may add that the Order of the
Temple, notwithstanding its undeniable claims to honourable distinction,
has never enjoyed much consideration amongst our countrymen. Its
exclusive character, together with the great expense and difficulty which
attend admission into its ranks, has raised against it a host of enemies.
Hence, calumnies have been propagated against it ; and an institution
perfectly unconnected with politics, and actuated by the purest principles
of Christian Philanthropy, has been represented as engendering false
notions of Government and wild infidelity. But the registers of the
1 « Le primat actuel est Yif^Cdsarini, commandeur conyentuel de I'ordre de
Malte. Les oi-devuit CheTaliers de Malte qui, depuis trente ans, B*efforcent de
reasusciter leur ordre, avaient fait, dit-on, des avanoes pour a'unir aux Temp-
liera, et par ce moyen fortifier leara rechunatioiia"— Histoire des Sectes Reli-
gieuses, par M. Gregoire, aneien ^ydque de Blois. Paris^ 1828.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE HASONRV. 03
« — - ■ . ■' -' — ■
Temple contain the respected names of Massillon and Fenelon; Frederick
the Great and Napoleon sanctioned its ceremonies and honoured its
officers ; and even in these days^ Princes of the Blood, and some of the
most iUnstrioas Nobles of onr town and other countries, have not dis-
dained to display the humble ring of profession, along with the gorgeous
decorations of the .Garter and the Golden Fleece.
We have expressed our belief that the Knight Templars of Scotland^
on the persecution of the Order in the fourteenth century, took refuge with
Robert Bruce, and this opinion is confirmed by a French authority, which
states that, having deserted the Temple, they ranged themselves under
the banners of that Prince, by whom they were formed into a new Order,
the observances of which were based on those of the Templars, and
became, according to him, the source of Scottish Free Masonry. ^ This
statement corresponds with the celebrated Charter of Larmenius already
referred to, in which the Scottish Templars are excommunicated as Tern-
pli desertoresj anathemcUe percussos ; and, along with the Knights of
St John, dominiorum MUUice spolicUores, placed for ever beyond the
pale of the Temple, extra gymm Templi nunc, et infuturum; and it is
likewise supported in some measure by the authority of the eminent
annalist of Free Masonry, M. Thory, who, in his '* Acta Latomorum,"
states that Robert Bruce fbunded the Masonic Order of Herednm de
Kilwinning after the Battle of Bannockbum, reserving to himself and
his successors on the Throne of Scotland, the office and title of Grand
Master : And that the last of the Stuarts believed that he possessed this
hereditary right and distinction, and in virtue of it granted Charters of
Constitution to Lodges abroad, is beyond all question; nay, there is
the stroDgest reason to conclude that the whole system of Templary
advanced by Ramsay and other partisans of the exiled House was
based on the conviction that the Chevalier de St George was the here-
ditary head of the '^ Royal Order" of Bruce ; and that that Order was
formed from the relics of the Scottish Templars. It is in favour of this
belief, moreover, that the Ancient Mother Kilwinning Lodge certainly
possessed in former times other degrees of Masonry than those of St
John, and that we have still amongst us — apparently deriving their
right from her — Brethren who claim to be representatives of Bruce's
^ ** ApT^ la mort de Jacques de Molay, lee Templiers Ecossais Stant de-
v^nns apostats, a rinstigation du roi Robert Bruce, se rangerent sous lea ban>
Di6re8 d'un nouvel Ordre institu^ par ce Prince, et dans lequel les r^eptions
forent bashes sur celles de TOrdre du Temple. C'est Ik qu'il faut chercher
I'origine de la Magonnerie Ecossaise, et m^me oelle dee antres Rites Ma9on-
iques. Du schisme qui s'introduisit en Ecosse naquit nn grand nombre de
sectes. Presqne tontes ont la pretention de d^river du Temple, et quelques
unes celle de se dire TOrdre lui-meme." — Manuel de I'Ordre du Temple.
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94 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Royal Order, which, although not very prominent in this country/ enjoys
the highest celebrity in France, where it was established by Charter from
Scotland, and even by the Pretender' himself in the course of last cen-
tury, and is now conferred as the highest and most distinguished degree
sanctioned by the Grand Orient, under the title of the Rose Croix
Heredum* de Kilwinning. It may be interesting to mention, that
the introduction on the Continent of this ancient branch of our
National Masonry has been commemorated by a splendid medal struck
at Paris, bearing, amongst other devices, the Royal Arms and Motto
of Scotland; and that the Brethren of the Lodge of Constancy at
Arras still preserve with reverence an original Charter of the Order,
granted to their Chapter in 1747, by Charles Edward Stuart, and signed
by that unfortunate prince himself, as the representative of the Scottish
kings. ^ Nor can any thing indicate more strongly the high estimation
in which the chivalry of the Rosy Cross of Kilwinning is held in France,
than the fact that the Prince Cambaceres, Arch-chancellor of the
Empire, presided over it as Provincial Grand Master (the office of
supreme head being, as already noticed, inherent in the Crown of Scot-
land,) for many years ; and that he was succeeded in his dignity by the
head of the illustrious family of Choiseul.
^ It was revived in 1839, and its Chapters are now regolarly held in Edinburgh.
* *' Le premier centre d'administration des hauts grades fut <ftabli k Arras en
1747, par Charles-Edonard Stuart lui-mdme, qui donna aux avocats Lagneau,
Robespierre, et k d'autres Fr^res, la buUe d'institution d'un Chapitre Ecossais
Jacobite en reconnaissance des beinfaits qu'il avait re^us d'eux." — Clavel, p. 167,
' This word is said by some to be derived from the Hebrew ffarodim, *' prsosi-
dentes ; " but it is merely the genitive plural of the Latin Hceret, " the Scottish
Masons conceiving themselves the vnheriton or hevn of the true and ancient
Brethren."— Vide Thuileur del' Ecossime. Paris, 1821.
^ The medal alluded to was struck at the expense of the Chapitre da Choix
at Paris, to celebrate the establishment in France of a Provincial Grand Lodge
of Heredom de Kilwinning, by a Charter, dated Edinburgh the 1st of May
1786, constituting John Mattheus, a distingnished merchant of Rouen, Provin-
cial Chief, with very ample powers, to disseminate the Order. The Chapitre
du Choix was itself erected by a Charter from Edinburgh in the same year,
addressed to Nicholas Chabouille, avocat en parlement, and other Brethren.
Both these documents bear the signatures of William Charles Little, Deputy
Grand Master, William Mason, and William Gibb. At a later date a Provin-
cial Grand Master was also appointed for Spain, in the person of James
Gordon, a merchant at Xeres de la Frontera, whose commission was signed by
Deputy Grand Master Dr Thomas Hay, and Messrs Charles Moor and John
Brown, as heads of the Royal Order. In 1811 there were no less than twenty-
six Chapters of Heredom holding of the Provincial Grand Lo^ge of the Order
in France, including some in Belgium and Italy. — Histoire de la Fondation du
Grand Orient de France. Pari% 1812.
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PART II.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 97
CHAPTER VI.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FROM
ITS INSTITUTION IN NOVEMBER 1736 TO NOVEMBER 1753.*
In Part I, the History of Free Masonry was brought down to the
Institution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736, and a short account
given of the circumstances which occasioned and accompanied that im-
portant event. It is necessary, however, before entering upon the His-
tory of the Grand Lodge, to give a fuller detail of the proceedings of
the Fraternity at the time of its Institution than could be admitted into
a general History of the Order.
After William St Clair of Rosslyn had pointed out to the Edinburgh
Lodges the beneficial effects which would accrue to the Fraternity
by having a nobleman or gentleman of their own choice as Grand
Master Mason of Scotland, he resigned into the hands of the Brethren
his hereditary title to that honourable office. In consequence of which
the following letter was transmitted to all the Lodges in Scotland,
requesting them to appear next St Andrew's Day, November 30, 1736,
by themsolv^es or proxies, in order to concur in the election of a Grand
Master : —
" Brethren,
"The four Lodges in and about Edinburgh having taken lo their
serious consideration the great loss that Masonry has sustained throw
the want of a Grand Master, authorised us to signify to you, our good
and worthy Brethren, our hearty desire and firm intention to chuse a
Grand Master for Scotland ; and, in order that the same may be done
with the greatest harmony, we hereby invite you (as we have done all
^ [It has been already stated, aupro, p. 51, that the principal Convocations of
and relating to Scottish Masonry were held in Kilwinning; other Grand
Lodges were however occasionally held elsewhere, and were formed by calling
in the assistance of one or more Lodges of the locality where the Hereditary
Gnmd Master desired the meeting to be held at the time. Prior to the regular
formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland these assemblies were of fre-
quent occurrence in Edinburgh, as is seen from the records of the Lodge of
Edinburgh Mary's Chapel and^the early Minute-book of the Lodge Canongate
Kilwinning. — E. ]
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98 THE HISTOBT OF FRBB MASONRY.
the Other regalar Lodges known by us,) to concur in such a great and
good work, whereby it's hoped Masonry may be restored to its antient
lustre in this kingdome ; and for effectuating this laudable designe, we
humbly desire that betwixt and Martinmass-day next, you will be
pleased to give us a brotherly answer in relation to the election of a
Grand Master, which we propose to be on St Andrew's Day for the first
time, and ever thereafter to be upon St John the Baptist's Day, or as
the Grand Lodge shall appoint by the majority of voices, which are to
be collected from the Masters and Wardens of all the regular Lodges
then present, or by Proxy to any Master Mason or Fellow-Craft in any
Lodge in Scotland ; and the election is to be in St Mary's Chappell.
All that is hereby proposed is for the advancement and prosperity of
Masonrie in its greatest and most charitable perfection. We hope and
expect a suitable return ; wherein, if any Lodges are defective, they
have themselyes only to blame. We heartily wish you all manner of
success and prosperity, and we are, with great respect, your affectionate
and loving Brethren, <fco."
On the day appointed for the election of the Grand Master and other
Office-Bearers of the Grand Lodge, the following Lodges appeared by
themselves or proxies : —
Lodge of Edinburgh, St Mary's Chapel. Strathayen.
Mother Kilwinning. Hamilton Kilwinning.
Canongate Kilwinning. Dnnse.
Kilwinning Scots Arms^ Kirkaldy.
Kilwinning Leith. Journeymen Masons, Edinburgh.
Kilwinning Glasgow. Kirkintilloch.
St John, Cupar of Fife. Biggar.
Ancient Brazen, Linlithgow. Sanquhar.
Dunfermline. Peebles Kilwinning.
Dundee. St Mungo, Glasgow.
Dalkeith Kilwinning. Greenock Kilwinning.
AitchisonVHaven. Falkirk.
St John, Selkirk. Aberdeen.
Old Kilwinning St John, Inverness. Maryburgh.
St John, Lesmahagow. Canongate and Leith, Leith and
St Bride, Douglas. Canongate.
St John, Lanark. Montrose Kilwinning.
The rolls being called, and the Masters and Wardens having produced
their respective powers entitling them to vote in this election, the
following Resignation of the office of Hereditary Grand Master was given
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRV. 99
in by William St Clair of Roslin, Master of the Lodge Canongate Kil-
wiDning 1 : —
" I, William St Clair of Rosaline, Esquire, taking to my consideration
that the Massons in Scotland did, by several deeds, constitute and ap-
point William and Sir William St Clairs of Rossline, my ancestors, and
their heirs, to be their patrons, protectors, judges, or masters ; and that
my holding or claiming any such jurisdiction, right, or privilege, might
be prejudiciall to the Craft and vocation of Massonrie, whereof I am a
member, and I being des)ireous to advance and promote the good and
utility of the said Craft of Massonrie to the outmost of my power, doe
therefore hereby, for me and my heirs, renounce, quit, claim, overgive,
and discharge, all right, claim, or pretence that I, or my heirs had, have,
or any ways may have, pretend to, or claim, to be patron, prptector,
judge, or master of the Massons in Scotland, in virtue of any deed or
deeds made and granted by the said^ Massons, or of any grant or charter
made by any of the Kings of Scotland, to and in favours of the said
William and Sir William St Clairs of Rossline, or any others of my pre-
decessors, or any other manner of Way whatsomever, for now and ever :
And I bind and oblige me, and my heirs, to warrand this present re-
nounciation and discharge at all hands ; and I consent to the registra-
tion hereof in the Books of Councill and Session, or any other judges*
books competent, therin to remain for preservation ; and thereto I con-
stitute
my procurators, <&c. In witnes whereof I have sub-
' [Among the Illustrations to this Volume is a bketch of the last Heredi-
tary Grand Master Mason of Scotland taken from the original Picture, in
the possession of the Lod^e Canongate Kilwinning, where St Clair was
initiated. It is to be regretted that the records of that Lodge contain no notice
of the time when so interesting a memorial came into its possession. Neither
is the Artist's name known, although, with some probability, it is supposed to
be an early production from the pencil of Allan Ramsay, son of the Poet.
Young Ramsay studied at Rome, and there became a Mason in the year 1736.
The Picture is first incidentally adverted to in the Minutes of the Canongate
Kilwinning Lodge towards the end of last century.
It may not be unworthy of remark that the Jewel suspended from the sash
worn by St Clair, as delineated in the Picture, is not his Badge of Office as
Hereditary Grand Master Mason, but the general Badge of the Masonic Order,
as worn in the early part of the eighteenth century. This Badge — the Level —
was at that time general among the Craft ; no ordinary Lodges then meeting
in the Third Degree ; which accounts for the Brethren at large adopting the
symbol of the Senior Warden, and of the Fellow Crafts whom he repre-
sented.— Introduction to Laws and Constitutions of Grand Lodge, 1848. — F.]
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100 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
scribed these presents, (written by David Maul, Writer to the Signet),
at Edinburgh, the twenty-fourth day of November one thousand seven
hundred and thirty-six years, before these witnesses, George Fraser,
Deputy- Auditor of the Excise in Scotland, Master of the Canongate
Lodge^ and William Montgomerie, Merchant in Leith, Master of the
Leith Lodge.
Sic Subscribitur,
Wm. St Clair.
Geo. Frazer^ Canongate Kilwinning, witness,
Wm. Montgomerie, Leith Kilwinning, witness"
This Resignation being read and received, was ordered to bo pre-
served in the records of the Grand Lodge. The Brethren then proceed-
ed to the election of a Grand Master. To this high office William
St Clair, of Roslin, was unanimously chosen, in consideration of the
nobility and antiquity of his family^ of his zeal for the advancement of
the Order, and the peculiar connection of his ancestors with the Masonic
History of Scotland.
Thereafter Captain John Young was elected Depute Grand Master; Sir
W. Baillie of Lamington, Senior Grand Warden ; Sir Alexander Hope
of Kerse, Junior Grand Warden; Dr John Moncrief, Grand Treasurer;
John Macdougall, Esq. Grand Secretary; and Mr Robert Alison, Grand
Clerk, who being all present, accepted their respective offices, and
engaged to be faithful therein.^ Whereupon the Grand Master took
instruments in the Grand Clerk*s hands on the foresaid election, and
afterwards he and his Depute and Wardens were saluted and invested
with the insignia of their several offices, conform to the regulations.
The first Quarterly Communication was appointed to be held in St
Mary's Chapel, upon Wednesday the 1 2th day of January next, and
the Lodge was closed in due form.
This concluded the business of the first meeting of the Grand Lodge
of Scotland, whose history, as drawn from the Records, we shall now
proceed to detail.
At the first Quarterly Communication the minutes and proceedings of
the Masters and Wardens of the four Masonic Lodges, and the minutes
of the Grand Election were read, unanimously approved of, and ap-
pointed to be recorded in the Books of the Grand Lodge.
All Lodges who were not regularly constituted were enjoined to apply
for a new constitution, in order that they may be enrolled on the Grand,
^ [The Grand Officers-bearers from 1736 to 1857-8 will be found, arranged in
a tabalar form, in Chapter XIY, infra, — E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 101
Lodge Registry; and those who had been properly constituted were
required to exhibit their patents^ for confirmation thereof. In conse-
quence of this, almost all the Lodges applied for new constitutions, and
by a ready and voluntary renunciation of their former rights, evinced
the steadiness of their attachment to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and
their unfeigned acknowledgment of her jurisdiction and power.
The Grand Lodge having ordained that a fee should be exacted from
every person who had been initiated into the Order since the date of
her institution, or who might afterwards be initiated, and that this
fee should make a part of the Charity Fund for the relief of indigent
and distressed Brethren, the Mother Kilwinning Lodge petitioned that
this should not be demanded from Operative Masons, many of whom
found it difficult enough to advance the dues to their respective Lodges.
This request of the Mother Kilwinning Masons, however, was rejected ;
and the Grand Lodge decreed that those who refused or neglected to
pay said entry-entry should receive no aid from the Charity Fund.
At the Quarterly Communication on 13th April 1737, the sum of
L.IO was collected in aid of the Charity Fund.
The inhabitants of Edinburgh and its environs having resolved to
erect an Infirmary or Hospital, for the reception of poor patients who
were unable to procure for themselves medical assistance, the Grand
Lodge proposed to pay, out of her own funds, a certain number of
Operative Masons^ to assist in building the Infirmary, provided the
managers of that Institution would allot a particular apartment ^therein
for the reception of a few infirm Masons, who should be recommended
by the Grand Master. Circular letters were immediately despatched to
all Daughter Lodges, requesting their concurrence in a proposal at once
so humane and benevolent.
It having long been customary among the Fraternity to hold their
principal assemblies on St John the Baptist's Day, it was resolved
however by the Grand Lodge, for many reasons, that the Annual Elec-
tion should no longer be celebrated on that day, but on the 30th of
November, the birth-day of St Andrew, the tutelar Saint of Scotland.
1737. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Crom-
arty, was this year elected Grand Master.
It was resolved that all the Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge
should be enrolled according to their seniority, which should be deter-
mined from the authentic documents which they produced ; those pro-
ducing none to be put at the end of the roll.
It was unanimously resolved and ordained that the four Quarterly
Communications of the Grand Lodge be held in St Mary's Chapel, Edin-
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102 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
burgh, at three p. m., on the first Wednesday of each of the four Scotch
Quarterly Terms, viz. : — Candlemas, Whitsunday, Lammas, and Mar-
tinmas, if these terms fall upon a Wednesday, and if not, the fint
Wednesday thereafter, so that the representatives of the several Lodges
in Scotland may know to a certainty when and where to attend these
meetings, without putting the Grand Lodge to the expence of printing
and despatching circulars.
The benevolence and liberality of the difierent Lodges were amply
displayed by their generous donations for the building of the Royal
Infirmary ; and that particular attachment to the grethren of the Order,
which, by the principles of Free Masonry, they are bound to cherish,
was also exemplified in their eager exertions to procure an apartment of
the Hospital for distressed Masons, who, from the very nature of their
profession, are more exposed to accidents than any other class of the
community.
A letter was received by the Grand Lodge from George Drummond,
Esq. one of the Commissioners of Excise, and President of the Managers
of the Royal Infirmary, informing them that the Foundation-stone
thereof was to be laid on the 2d of August 1738, between three and
four p. M., and requesting the presence of the Grand Master and his
Brethren to give their countenance and assistance to the undertaking.
With this request the Grand Lodge unanimously complied ; on which
day the Foundation-stone of the New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
was laid in the following manner.
The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council, preceded by the
City Officers and Mace, walked in procession from the Council-Chamber
to the ground where the foundation had been prepared. Immediately
after them came the Free and Accepted Masons, in their proper clothing
and jewels, arranged in the following order : —
The Tylers of the several Lodges of Edinburgh and its neighbourhood.
Brethren not belonging to the Grand Lodge, walking by threes.
The Lodges as they stand enrolled, the youngest walking first,
the Masters being supported by their respective Wardens.
The Officers of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Stewards, by threes.
The Grand Secretary with his Clerks.
The Grand Treasurer with his Purse. ^
The Grand Wardens.
The Most Worshipful The Grand Master,
attended by those Brethren of distinction who did not represent any
particular Lodge.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 103
The President and College of Phyeicians walked in procession from
their own Hall; the Surgeons from their Hall ; and, alongst with them,
several of the Lords of Session ; the Dean, and many of the Faculty of
Advocates; the Writers to His Majesty's Signet; the Presbytery of
Edinburgh ; several of the Incorporations, and a great number of per-
sons of rank and distinction.
When the procession reached the ground, the Grand Master
and his Brethren surrounded the plan of the foundation hand in
hand ; after which the Grand Master, along with the Preses of
the Managers of thp Royal Infirmary, having come to the east
comer of the foundation where the stone was to be laid, placed the same
in its bed ; and after the Right Honourable the Lord Provost had laid
a medal under it, each in their turn gave three strokes upon the stone
with an iron mallet, which was succeeded by three clarions of the
trumpet, three huzzas, and three claps of the hands.
Several societies and individuals made large contributions upon this
occasion for carrying on the work. Many gentlemen, and proprietors of
quarries, made presents of stone and lime ; merchants gave considerable
quantities of timber ; the farmers in the neighbourhood agreed to carry
all the materials free of charge ; the journeymen masons furnished
each a certain quantity of hewn stones ; and as this undertaking was for
the relief of the diseased, lame, and maimed poor, even the common
labourers agreed to work a day in each month gratis ; money was also
raised by voluntary contribution ; and there appeared such a spirit
amongst all ranks to encourage the undertaking, that the building was
expected to be finished without the least encroachment upon the capital
stock.
On the conclusion of the ceremony, the Magistrates, attended by a
great number of the company, returned to the Borough-room, where
several loyal and appropriate toasts were given. In the evening a
numerous and splendid assembly, for the benefit of the Institution,
crowned the festivities of the day.
1738. November 30. The Right Honourable John, Earl of Kintore,
Knight Marischal of Scotland, was elected Grand Master.
It was reported to the Grand Lodge by George Drummond, Esq., one
of the Managers of the Royal Infirmary, that the Directors of that Insti-
tution, out of gratitude to the society of Free Masons for their counten-
ance and aid in building the Royal Infirmary, had unanimously agreed
that preference should always be given to distressed and infirm Brethren
in one of the galleries thereof.
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104 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Since the institntion of the Grand Lodge, the principles of the Cndft
had heen so rapidly propagated through every part of the kingdom that
it was fonnd necessary to appoint Provincial Grand Masters over
particular districts, who were empowered to hold general meetings, and
to take cognisance of every thing relating to Masonry within the bounds
of their Province. In consequence of this resolution, Alexander Drnm-
mond, Esq. Master of Greenock Kilwinning, was appointed Provincial
Grand Master over the Lodges in the western counties of Scotland.
Although this was the first appointment of the kind since the institution
of the Grand Lodge, nevertheless there was an office of the same kind
during the reign of James VI of Scotlandi as has been already stated in
the General History. *
1739. November 30. The Right Honourable James, Earl of Morton,
Knight of* the Thistle, was this day elected Grand Master.
A present of ten pounds sterling was paid into the Charity Fund of the
Grand Lodge by the Earl of Kintore.
The Managers of the Royal Infirmary having requested the company
of the Grand Lodge, together with those of the City Lodges, at the laying
of the Foundation-stone of the western wing of the Infirmary, on the
14th May 1740, the Right Honourable the Grand Master, attended
by the Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge, and the Office-bearers and
Brethren of various other Lodges, walked in procession from St Mary's
Chapel to the Royal Infirmary, where the Foundationnstone of the western
part of the building was laid with the usual solemnities.
It has been frequently and justly remarked, that those philosophers
who speculate most upon universal benevolence, have been proportionably
deficient in bringing it into action ; this accusation has also been keenly
urged against the supporters of Free Masonry, who are bound at their ini-
tiation to relieve the distresses, and supply the wants of their Brethren.
It is proper therefore to do justice to the Fraternity by recording every
extraordinary act of practical benevolence which has been performed by
the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The son of an operative mason in Edin-
burgh having been left at his father's death in the most friendless and
indigent condition, was recommended to the patronage of the Grand
Lodge. With a readiness which enhanced the value of the action, they
agreed to take him under their own charge ; to bind him to an operative
mason for eight ^ears, for the freedom of the City and Incorporation of
St Mary's Chapel ; and, during that time, to furnish him with clothes
and other necessaries. It was also agreed that if any similar applications
were made, the same action should be performed every three years.
» [Vide 9upra, p. 61.---E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 105
In future a paragraph was ordered to be inserted in the public news-
] apers on the Thursday preceding the Quarterly Communications, that
the Lodges might be duly certified of said meetings. A new set of
jewels were purchased for the Grand Officers, and a full set of Mason
tools were ordered for the use of the Grand Lodge, and six copies of
Smith's Constitutions anent Masonry. Three examinators were ap-
pointed for trying Visiting Members of the Craft who are strangers to
the Grand Lodge, and who are desirous of attending the meetings thereof.
A recommendation in favour of two Brethren about to proceed to
Jamaica was granted by the Grand Lodge, and signed by the Depute
Grand Master, addressed to the Brethren in that Island.
For the encouragement of Operative Lodges in the country, they were
granted the privilege of merely paying the Fees of a Confirmation for
their Patents of Erection and Constitution.
1740. December 1. The Bight Honourable Thomas, Earl of Strath-
more^and Kinghom, was elected Grand Master.
It was proposed, and unanimously agreed to, that a correspondence
should be opened between the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand
Lodge of England, and that the assistance of the latter Jn building
the Royal Infirmary should be particularly requested.
A donation of ten guineas each was given by the Right Honourable
the Earls of Cromarty and Morton, late Grand Master Masons of Scot-
land, to the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge.
It was unanimously carried that no proxy or commission should be
continued or in force above one year, after which time the Brethren
possessed of such Proxies to have no vote in the Grand Lodge unless
renewed or ratified by their constituents.
1741. November 30. The Right Honourable Alexander, Earl of
Leven, was elected Grand Master.
In the course of the year many charters and constitutions were granted,
various sums paid to the funds of the Royal Infirmary, and numerous
widows and distressed Brethren were relieved from the Charity Fund,
conform to the practice of the Grand Lodge.
A donation of ten pounds was given by the Right Honourable
the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghom, Past Grand Master, for the relief
of indigent Brethren. ^
1742. November 30. The Right Honourable William, Earl of
Kilmarnock, was elected Grand Master.
No events of importance occurred during the year.
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106 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
1743. November 30. The Right Hononrable James, Earl of Wemyss,
was elected Grand Master.
A letter was read from the Lodge of Kilwinning, complaining that
they were only second on the roll, While, as the Mother Lodge of Soot-
land, they were entitled to the first place. The Grand Lodge decreed
that as the Lodge of Kilwinning had produced no documents to show
that they were the oldest Lodge in Scotland, and as the Lodge of St
Mary's Chapel had shewn their records as far back as 1598, the latter
had an undoubted right to continue first on the roll.
This finding of the Grand Lodge by no means contradicts what has
been stated in the General History^ respecting the antiquity of the Kil-
winning Lodge. It was well known, and universally admitted that Kil-
winning was the birth-place of Scottish Masonry ; but as the records
of the original Lodge were lost, the present Lodge at Kilwinning oould
not prove that theirs was the identical Lodge which had first practised
Free Masonry in Scotland.
1744. November 30. The Right Honourable James, Earl of Moray,
was elected Grand Master.
A donation of ten guineas to the Charity Fund was given by the
Right Worshipful the Grand Master, and the same sum by the Right
Honourable the Earl of Werayss, Past Grand Master.
1745. November 30. The Right Honourable Henry David, Earl of
Buchan, was elected Grand Master.
In consequence of the great assistance which had been afibrded by the
Free Masons, in contributions both of money and labour for the erection
of the Royal Infirmary, the Managers of that Institution intimated to the
Grand Lodge that they had appointed a particular apartment therein for
the reception of such infinn Brethren as should be recommended by the
Grand Master, and another for such as should be recommended by the
Lodge Journeymen, Edinburgh, No. 8.
1746. December 1. William Nisbet, Esq., of Dirleton, was elected
Grand Master.
The Lodges throughout Scotland, holding of the Grand Lodge, were
this year again divided into Provinces, and Provincial Grand Masters
appointed thereto.
1747. November 30. The Honourable Francis Charteris of Amis-
field was elected Grand Master.
^ [Vide iupra, p. 46.— E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 107
The Past Grand Master presented a donation of ten guineas to the
Charity Fund.
At the anniversary meeting of the Grand Lodge, a petition was pre-
sented by the Right Honourable the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, stating,
that as his brother, Alexander Drummond, late Master of the Lodge
Greenock Kilwinning, and Past Provincial Grand Master of the West of
Scotland^ had taken up his residence at Alexandretta in Turkey, and
desired to propagate the art and science of Masonry in those parts of the
world where he had already erected several Lodges, he prayed the Grand
Lodge would be pleased to grant a Provincial Commission in his brother*s
favour; which petition having been taken into consideration, the Grand
Lodge unanimously granted the prayer thereof; and gave full power to
the said Alexander Drummond, and any other whom he might nominate,
to constitute Lodges in any part of Europe or Asia bordering on the
Mediterranean Sea ; to superintend the same, or any others already
erected in those parts ; and to transmit an account of his proceedings
to the Grand Lodge at his earliest convenience.
1748. November 30. Hugh Seton, Esq. of Touch, was elected Grand
Master.
A donation of ten guineas for the use of the Poor Brethren was giren
by the Past Grand Master.
The usual meetings and solemnities were held and observed through-
out the year, but without any event of sufficient importance to be
recorded here.
1749. November 30. The Right Honourable Thomas, Lord Erskine,
was elected Grand Master.
The usual donation to the Charity Fund was ^ven by the Past
Grand Master.
The funds of the Grand Lodge were much diminished during the
year by numerous payments to indigent Brethren : While her jurisdic-
tion was greatly extended by the erection of many new Lodges, and the
confirmation of old constitutions.
1750. November 30. The Right Honourable Alexander, Earl of
Eglinton, was elected Grand Master.
The proceedings of the Grand Lodge were distinguished by no impor-
tant events in the course of this year.
1761. November 30. The Right Honourable James, Lord Boyd, was
elected Grand Master.
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108 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
It had Litherto been customary for the Grand Master to nominate bis
successor at the Quarterly Communication which preceded the Grand
Election. Lord Boyd having overlooked this part of his duty, the defi-
ciency was supplied by a committee appointed for the purpose, whose
judicious choice was of great benefit to the Order.
1752. November 30. George Drnmmond, Esq. was elected Grand
Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 1st August 1753, a message was
received by the Grand Lodge informing them that the Foundation-stone
of the Royal Exchange was to be laid on the 1 3th September proximo,
and requesting the countenance of the Gran<l Lodge, attended by
the other Lodges in and about Edinburgh, on that occasion, which
request was unanimously acceded to ; and in order that the ceremony
might be conducted with that propriety and regularity becoming the
dignity of the Grand Lodge and the solemnity of the occasion, a plan of
the procession was subsequently transmitted to the Craft by the Grand
Master, the observance of which by the Brethren conduced in a great
measure to the gratifying manner in which the ceremonial was carried
on and concluded.
In the morning, the Grand Lodge ordered a triumphal arch, in the
Augustine style, to be erected at the entrance to the place where the
stone was to be laid. In the niches, betwixt the columns, on each side
of the gate, were two figures, representing Geometry and Architecture^
each as large as life. The entablature was of the Corinthian Order, and
the frieze, contained the following inscription, — " Quod felix faustum-
QUE SIT."
In the centre compartment, over the entablature, was represented,
under a canopy, the Genius of Edinburgh in a curule chair. On her
right hand stood a group of fignres representing the Lord Provost,
Magistrates, and Council, in their robes ; and on her left another
group, representing the Noblemen and Gentlemen who were employ-
ed as overseers of the intended structure ; in front was the Grand
Master, presenting a plan of the Exchange, attended by several of his
Brethren in Masonic costi^me. The whoje was decorated with laurels.
On the west of the site of the Foundation-stone a theatre was erected
for the Magistrates, covered with tapestry and decked with flowers ;
directly opposite tq it, on the east, was another theatre, adorned in the
same manner, for the Grand Master and the Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge ; around were galleries for the other Lodges, and for ladies and
gentlemen.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 100
The Foundation-stone, with the following inscription, was exhibited
early in the morning for public inspection : —
Georoius Drummondus
In Architectouica Scotiao Repnb.
Curio Maximus,
Urbis Edinburgi ter Consul,
Adstantibus Fratribns Architectonicis ccc.
PrsBsentibus multibus Regni Magnatibus,
Senatn etiam Populoque Edinensi, et Hominum Ordinis cuj usque
Magna stipante frequentia,
Cunctisque plaudentibus ;
Ad Edinensium commoditatem et Becus publicum,
^dificiorum novorum Principium lapidem hunc posuit
GULIELMO AlEXAKDRO, CoUS.
Idibus Septembr. a. d. mdccliii.
iErce Architectonicse vmdccliii.
Imperii que Georgii II, Britanniarum Regis
Anno XXVII.
Below the inscription were three apertures, each fitted to contain a
medal struck on the occasion. On the one side of this medal was the
effigy of the Grand Master in profile, vested with the ribbon peculiar
to his office ; and in front of him a view of the Royal Infirmary, with
this inscription : — " G. Drdmmond, Architect. Scot. Summus Magis.
Edin. ter Cos."
On the reverse of the medal was a perspective view of the Exchange,
encircled with the words, — " Urbi exornandae, civiumque Commodi-
TATi •" and underneath, — " Fori Novi Edinburgensis posito Lapide
prime, Ordo per Scotiam Architectonicus excudi jussit, xiii Septembris
mdccliii."
Another medal was struck commemorative of the event. On the
obverse was the efRgy, &c., as above, and on the reverse the Masonic
arms, enclosed within the collar of St Andrew, with the inscription, —
" In the Lord is all our Trust."
The Brethren were convened in St Mary's Chapel at three o'clock
p. M., in all their proper clothing and jewels, where they were met by
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, who represented to them that
as he proposed to execute this solemn act of his office in the most regular
manner, the order of procession, which had been transmitted to the
Master of every Lodge, was to be strictly observed on this occasion.
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110 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. |
Shortly after three o'clock, the procession advanced in the following
order : —
A body of Operative Masons not belonging to any Lodge present.
A band of French homa.
The Lodges present in the following order : —
A Military Lodge from General Johnston's Regiment
Thistle, Edinburgh.
Scots Lodge in Canongate. [Now St Andrew, No. 48.]
Holyrood House. [Now St Luke, (Holyroodhouse,) No. 44.]
Vernon Kilwinning.
Canongate from Leith. [Now St David, No. 36.]
Dalkeith Kilwinning.
Journeymen, Edinburgh.
Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canongate.
Leith Kilwinning.
Canongate Kilwinning.
St Mary's Chapel.
All the Brethren newly clothed, and the Masters and Wardens in the
clothing and jewels of their respective Lodges, with their badges
of dignity, formed the last rank of each Lodge.
A body of Gentlemen Masons belonging to Foreign Lodges.
A band of hautboys.
The Golden Compasses, carried by an Operative Mason.
Three Grand Stewards, with rods.
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Clerk.
Three Grand Stewards, with rods.
Golden Square, Level, and Plumb, carried by three Operative Masons.
A band of French horns.
Three Grand Stewards, with rods.
The Grand Wardens.
The Cornucopia and Golden Mallet, carried by the Officer of the
Grand Lodge and an Operative Mason.
The Grand Master,
supported by a Past Grand Master, and the present Substitute.
A body of Operative Masons.
A company of the City Guard covered the rear, and the whole
Brethren, numbering nearly 700, walked uncovered.
At the head of Niddry's Wynd [Street] the procession was received by
a body of military and a company of grenadiers, drawn up in two
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. Ill
lines^ under arms. By these it was escorted ; one-half of the grenadiers
marching in the front, and the other half in the rear, with fixed hajonets.
The officer of the city guard, at the head of his company, paid the proper
military honours as they passed. In this order they marched, drums
heating and music playing, to the Parliament Close. Here the masons
and the troops were formed, each into two lines. Notice heing sent to
the Council-Chamher, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, in
their robes, the City Sword and Mace borne before them, preceded by
the City Officers with their halberts, came into the Parliament Close,
and were received by the Grand Master and the Officers of the Grand
Lodge at the north-west comer, next to the Council-Chamber. The
procession then moved in the following manner : —
First, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, attended by several
of the gentlemen employed in the direction of the public works, walked
through the lines ; the Grand Master, supported as before, the jewels,
&c,, borne before him, went next ; then followed the several Lodges
according to their seniority. Having in this manner passed through the
triumphal arch, the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council proceeded to
the theatre on the west, — the Grand Master and the Officers of the Grand
Lodge to that on the east, — and the daughter Lodges to the galleries
respectively assigned to them. There was a chair for the Grand Master,
with a table before it, covered with tapestry, on which were placed the
jewels, &c., the cornucopia, and two silver vessels filled with wine and oil.
When the company were thus properly arranged, the Grand Master
took his seat, and the stone was, by order of the Substitute Gnind
Master, slung in a tackle, and let down gradually, making three regular
stops before it came to the ground, during which the Masonic Anthem
was sung, accompanied by the music, all the Brethren joining in the
chorus. The Grand Master, supported as before, preceded by his Officers,
and the Operative Masons carrying the jewels, &c., descended from the
theatre, and passing through the Grand Officers to the place where the
stone lay, the Substitute Grand Master deposited in each of the three
cavities cut in the stone, one of the before-mentioned medals. The Past
Grand Master and the Substitute having retired, two Operative Brethren
took their places, with whose assistance the Grand Master turned the
stone and laid it in its bed, the inscription undermost.^
The Grand Master then taking his station at the east of the stone,
with his Substitute on the left, and his Wardens in the west, the opera-
tive who carried the square delivered it to the Substitute, who presented
it to the Grand Master, and he having applied it to that part of the
^ The stone is in the south-east comer of the west wing.
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112 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
stone which was square, retarued it to the operatire. The operatiye
who carried the plumb, then delivered it to the Substitute, who presented
it also to the Grand Master, and he having applied it to the edges
of the stone, holding it upright, delivered it again to the operative.
In like manner the operative who carried the level, delivered it to the
Substitute, which he likewise presented to the Grand Master, who
applied it above the stone in several positions, and returned it to
the operative. The mallet was then presented to the Grand Master,
who gave three knocks upon the stone, which was followed by the Grand
Honours from the Brethren. An anthem was then sung, accompanied
by the music ; during which the cornucopia, and the two silver vessels
containing the wine and oil, were brought down to the stone. The
cornucopia was delivered to the Substitute, and the vessels to the
Wardens. The anthem being concluded, the Substitute presented the
cornucopia to the Grand Master, who turned out the ears of corn
upon the stone. The silver vessels were then delivered by the War-
dens to the Substitute, and by him presented to the Grand Master,
who poured the contents upon the stone, saying, " May the bountiful
hand of Heaven supply this city with abundance of corn, wine, oil,
and all the other conveniences of life." This was succeeded by the
Grand Honours, after which an anthem was sung. The Grand Master
then repeated these words : — '' As we have now laid this Foundation-
stone, may the Grand Architect of the universe, of His kind providence,
enable us to carry on and finish the work which we have now begun ;
may He be a guard to this place, and the city in general ; and may He
preserve it from decay and ruin to the latest posterity." The ceremony
was concluded with a short prayer for the Sovereign, the senate of the
city, the Fraternity of Masons, and all the people ; the anthem was
resumed, and the Grand Master returned to his chair amidst the plaudits
of the Brethren.
The Grand Master then addressed the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and
Council, and such of the gentlemen employed in the direction of the
building as were present : —
"My Lord and Gentlemen,
" In the public character which I now hold at the head of my
Brethren of this ancient and honourable Society, I presume to address
you ; and in their name, and for myself, I return you my most humble
and hearty thanks for the honour you have done us in witnessing our
laying this Foundation-stone. May you and your successors be happy
instruments of forwarding this great and good work, of which we have
now so fair a prospect. As it will add greatly to the ornament and
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 113
advantage of the citj^ so I hope it will be a lasting honour to you, and
a means of transmitting yonr memories to the latest posterity.
'' To such of you, my fellow-citizens, as are joined in the direction of
this building with the other noble and generous patrons of the intended
public works, I address myself particularly, and at the desire of my
Brethren, some of whom have become contributors, and I hope more will
soon follow the laudable example. I beg leave to observe, that as these
works are designed for the ornament, interest, and convenience of
the city, it is not doubted but that you will be attentive, with the most
vigorous and ardent zeal, to pursue the whole of the scheme for the
general good, and on no account to allow private interest or party humour
any where to prevail or interfere. I would not have presumed to express
myself in this manner were it not absolutely necessary, for the success
of such works, that the public should be entirely satisfied of the dis-
interestedness of the Directors. Jealousies, if there should be any at our
setting out,, could not fail to be attended with fatal consequences ; no
less, perhaps, than the entire overthrow of the scheme. They would
occasion an unhappy backwardness, if not a stagnation in the contribu-
tions ; as prejudices, however ill-founded, are always very difficult to be
overcome. This could not but give the utmost concern to all of us, and
to every good citizen.
" The task I have undertaken will no doubt to some appear insur-
mountable ; it must, indeed, be confessed to . be difficult. But my
experience of the kindness of Providence in a late afi&ir of this nature,^
and the generous disposition of my fellow-citizens, and many others,
encouraged me to engage likewise in this undertaking. And, whatever .
judgment the censuring part of mankind may pass, I have a secret satis-
faction in thinking that some of my leisure hours are thus usefully
employed. I shall cheerfully sacrifice a part of my own quiet and
interest, if thereby I can be any way serviceable to the place of my birth,
and the metropolis of my country, which has again and again done me
the great honour to put me at the head of its Senate. And I flatter
myself this resolution will not be thought to proceed from any sinister
motives.
" As I have nothing more sincerely at heart than the finishing the
work we have now so happily begun, I am hopeful, that if God in His
providence shall not permit us to see it finished, there shall not be
wanting gentlemen of abilities, endued with so much love to their
country as to think, as I have always done, a part of their time and
labour worthily bestowed in superintending and promoting this and all
^ The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
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114 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
the other schemes now in view for the benefit of the public. That the
city of Edinburgh may always be blessed with many such citizens, and
that the city, and all ranks of people in it, may flourish and be happy,
has ever been, and still shall be, my unfeigned wish and most ardent
prayer."
The Grand Master next addressed himself to the contractors and
builders of the work, to the following effect : —
" My Brethren and Fellow-Citizens,
" You are now about to engage in the execution of this great under-
taking, which I hope will bring you profit. Tt will bring you honour
likewise, if you perform your part faithfully. I persuade myself you
are convinced that to gain the esteem and thanks of the noble and
judicious patrons of this work, and of your fellow-citizens, will be
of no small consequence to you ; and that these depend on the execution
of what you now undertake. Your reputation must either stand or fall
by it ; for the beauties or faults of public edifices are in a manner mani-
fest to every body. A good design, well executed, does honour to the
undertaker ; but his reputation must suffer, if art, prudence, or honesty
be wanting. What I have said is only by way of caution ; for I have
no doubt of your capacity to judge of the soundness of the materials, or
of your knowledge in every thing requisite ; yet let me advise you to
consider well, and make yourselves thoroughly acquainted with the
whole of the design ; by having a clear and distinct view of the general
plan, you will discover many things necessary to be known, which other-
wise might escape the most accurate ; and thus yon will avoid false and
expensive executions. I believe it will be convenient that one of your
number, sufliciently accomplished to perform every part of the work,
and who by a constant study and practice in works of this kind, has de-
monstrated his knowledge, be appointed to attend and oversee the work
at all times. I have nothing to add but to recommend a strict ad-
herence to the plan, and to whatever the Directors may think fit to pre-
scribe ; and that no undue freedom be used by you either in the exterior
ornaments or in the interior disposition. You are never to deviate in
the least from the design, unless it be thought absolutely necessary by
its noble patrons."
The ceremony being over, the Magistrates took leave ; previous to
which the Substitute Grand Master presented them with several of the
medals struck On the occasion.
The Brethren then walked from the ground to the Palace of Holy-
roodhouse in the order before mentioned, and escorted in the same
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 1]5
manner as in the procession from St Mary's Chapel. On arriying at
the Palace gate, the Grand Master^ in his own name and in that of
tbe Brethren, made proper acknowledgments to the commanding officers
for their care and prudence. The troops then withdrew.
The Brethren now entered the Inner Court and formed themselyes
into a square ; and having received the Grand Master, with the Officers
of the Grand Lodge into the centre, they paid him the compliments due
to his high rank. He then proceeded with the usual state, followed by
thev Lodges according to their seniority, to the great gallery of the
Palace, where they were entertained in the decent, solemn, and
harmonious manner usual among Masons j and that nothing might be
said to have marred the regularity that had been observed during the
whole proceedings, the Lodge was dosed, and the Brethren dispersed
about nine o'clock.
On this occasion there was the greatest concourse of people that had
ever been witnessed in the city. Wherever the procession passed, all
the windows, and even the tops of the houses were crowded. But, not-
withstanding the vast multitude, and the hazardous situation into which
many were led by their curiosity, the whole ceremony was, by the good-
ness of Divine Providence, brought to a happy termination without the
slightest accident.
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116 THB HISTORY OF FRKE MASONItT.
CHAPTER VII.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THB GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FROM
NOVEMBER 1753 TO NOVEMBER 1773.
1753. November 30. Charles HamiltoD Gordon, Esq., was elected
Grand Master.
No business of importance marked the proceedings of this year.
1754. November 30. The Honourable James, Master of Forbes,
was elected Grand Master.
After the Grand Election the Office-bearers, and upwards of four
hundred Brethren, walked in procession by torch-light from St Mary's
Chapel to the High School. This is the first instance of a torch-light
procession that occurs in the records of the Grand Lodge.
Upon a Report presented at the Quarterly Communication on 12th
November, it was unanimously agreed that the Quarterly Communica-
tions should be hereafter held on the first Mondays of February, May,
August, and November : It was also resolved that Daughter Lodges
take precedence in processions, &c., according to the date of their entry
on the Rolls of the Grand Lodge.
1755. December I. The Right Honourable Sholto Charles, Lord
Aberdour, was elected Grand Master.
It was unanimously resolved that the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master, for the time being, be affiliated and recorded as a member of
every Daughter Lodge in Scotland.
On dd July 1756, the Lodge Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canon-
gate, was consecrated by the Rev. John Maclure, Grand Chaplain, in
presence of the Grand Master and Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge. ^
In consequence of a Petition from the Lodge at Kelso, stating that the
progress of the bridge then building over the Tweed was likely to be
retarded for want of money, and requesting assistance from the funds of
the Grand Lodge, twenty guineas was voted for carrying on this import-
ant work.
1756. November 30. The Right Honourable Sholto Charles, Lord
Aberdour, was re-elected Grand Master, which is the first instance of a
re-election since the institution of the Grand Lodge. A patent of erec-
tion was granted of this date to the Lodge St Andrew, Boston, Massa-
chusetts.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MABONRY. 117
The prayer of a petition from Lodge Holyroodhouse, for warrant of
Consecration, was granted, and Brother the Reverend John Maclnre,
Grand Chaplain, appointed to perform the ceremony.
1757. November 30. The Right Honourable Alexander, Earl of
Galloway, was elected Grand Master.
No events of public interest occnrred during the year.
1758. November 30. The Right Honourable Alexander, Earl of
Galloway, was re-elected Grand Master.
Ordered that henceforth the Grand Chaplain bo a member of the
Grand Lodge, and a« Brother John Madure has acted in that capacity
for a considerable time, that he be duly installed thereinto, and take
rank and precedence accordingly.
On the 2d March 1759 the Grand Chaplain was directed to consecrate
the Lodges Pythagoras, Borrowstounness ; St Andrew, Edinburgh ; and
St Regulus, Cupar^Fife.
The Grand Lodge, on the recommendation of the Charity Commit-
tee, having taken into consideration the distressed condition of the
French prisoners confined in the Castle of Edinburgh, resolved to lay
out ten guineas in supplying them with clothes and other necessaries,
giving the preference to those who were Brethren, without however
neglecting the necessities of such as were uninitiated. We have already
mentioned several instances of benevolence by the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, but we are persuaded that this conduct to the French prisoners
will procure the esteem of every generous and philanthropic mind.
1750. November 30. The Right Honourable David, Earl of Leven,
was elected Grand Master.
Several Scotch Brethren having erected a Lodge at Charlestown,
South Carolina, transmitted five guineas to the Grand Lodge for the use
of the Masonic poor. Grateful for this unexpected instance of benevo-
lence, the Grand Lodge ordered a charter to be made out and transmit-
ted to them ; they having signified a wish to hold their meetings under
the Scottish banner, by the name of " The Union Kilwinning Lodge.'*
On the 24th April 1760, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and
Brethren in and about Edinburgh, walked in procession from the Lodge
of Canongate Kilwinning, to lay the Foundation-stone of the Canongate
Poor-House, which was performed with the usual solemnities ; and
attended the Theatre in the evening, the performances being for the
benefit of the said institution.
At the Quarterly Communication, on 17th November 1760, a Charter
was expede in favour of the Lodge St Andrew, Jamaica.
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118 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
1760. December 1. The Right Honourable David, Earl of Leren,
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable Charles^ Eail
of Elgin and Kincardine, chosen Grand Master Elect.
In the course of the year various Charters were granted, but there
were no occurrences of general interest
1761. November 30. The Right Honourable Charles, Earl of
Elgin and Kincardine, was elected Grand Master.
Amongst the numerous Petitions to the Charity Fund, was one from
two French Brethren, prisoners in Eilinburgh Castle, who were allowed
four guineas by the Grand Lodge.
1762. November 30. The Right Honourable Charles, Earl of Elgin
and Kincardine, was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable
John, Earl of Kellie, chosen Grand Master Elect.
On 10th October 1763, a letter was received from the Lord Provost,
Magistrates, and Town Council of Edinburgh, requesting the assistance
of the Grand Master and his Brethren in laying the Foundation-stone of
the North Bridge, on the 21st current ; which request having been
acceded to by the Grand Lodge, the Brethren assembled that day in the
Parliament House at two o'clock p.m. In absence of the Earl of Elgin
the present Grand Master, Brother the Right Honourable George
Drummond, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Past Grand Master, was ap-
pointed to officiate in his stead. At three o'clock the procession
moved in the following order, the Masters and Wardens forming the
rear rank of their respective Lodges : —
Musselburgh Kilwinning.
The Military Lodge of the Duke of Norfolk.
Thistle, Edinburgh. Journeymen, Edinburgh.
St Andrew, Edinburgh. Canongate and Leith, Leith
St Luke, Edinburgh. and Canongate.
St Giles, Edinburgh. Leith Kilwinning.
St David, Edinburgh. Canongate Kilwinning. .
Dalkeith Kilwinning. St Mary's Chapel.
Brethren not belonging to any Lodge present.
A Band of Music.
The Golden Compasses carried by an Operative Mason.
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Clerk.
Three Grand Stewards with rods.
President of Grand Stewards.
Golden Square, Level, and Plumb, carried by three Operative Masons.
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TBE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. '119
A Vocal and an Instramental Band.
Three Grand Stewards with rods.
The Grand Chaplain^ carrying the Bible.
The Grand Wardens.
The Cornucopia and Golden Mallet^ carried by the Grand Lodge Officer
and an OperatiYe Mason.
The Grand Lodge.
A body of Operatlye Masons.
In this order the procession, escorted by two companies of militaiy
and the city-guard, proceeded along the street, by the Netherbow, Leith
Wynd, and the road leading west from the port at the foot of that wynd,
to the place where the Foundationngtone was to be laid, being a few paces
to the north of the new port. Having arrived at the site, the Brethren
stationed themselves around the Grand Lodge on platforms erected for
the purpose, and the stone was laid by the Grand Master with the usual
solemnities, amidst the acclamations of the Brethren and a great con-
course of spectators. About five o'clock the Brethren returned in pro-
cession, and passed the evening in the Assembly Hall with that social
cheerfulness for which the Fraternity is so eminently distinguished.
Three medals, struck on the occasion, were placed below the stone.
On one of these was an elevation of the intended bridge ; on another a
bust of the King [George III] ; and on the third, the following inscrip-
tion, which was likewise cut upon the stone : —
F. D. 0. M.
xPontus ad Lethem Edinb. portnm.
Lapidem hunc fundaminis principium,
posuit
Georqius Drummondtts, Armiger, Urbis Consul,
Prsetorii sui anno duodecimo.
Die Octob. xxi. a. d. hdcclxiii,
JEtk autem Architectonicss Anno ymdccdxiit,
Honorabili summe colendo viro
Carolo Comte de Elgin,
Apud Scotos Artis hajus Curione maximo,
Ac Georgii III.
Mag. Britan. Fr. et Hib. Regis
Anno III.
Q. D. B. V.
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120 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
1763. November 30. The Right Honourable John, Earl of Kellie,
was elected Grand Master.
The Lodge St Andrew^ at St Thomas-in-the-East, Jamaica, generously
transmitted the sum of ten pounds to the Charity Fund.
The Military Lodge " Union/' was this year erected in Holland. The
constitution was granted by the Grand Lodge of Scotland at the request
of the principal officers of General Marjori banks' regiment, in the service
of the States-General of the United Provinces.
1764. November 30. The Right Honourable John, Earl of Kellie,
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable James Stewart,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh, chosen Grand Master Elect.
Ten pounds were transmitted by the Lodge St Andrew, Jamaica, and
two guineas by the Lodge St John, Virginia, to the Charity Fund.
Facts of this nature, apparently trifling, are mentioned for the informa-
tion of those who represent the benevolence of Free Masons as counter-
feited. We have seen, in more instances than one, that even the wide
Atlantic cannot separate the hearts of the Brethren.
1765. November 30. The Right Honourable James Stewart, Lord
Provost of Edinburgh, was elected Grand Master.
There having been, up to this period, no proper clothing or jewels
belonging to the Grand Lodge for the Grand Officers thereof, suitable
clothing and jewels were ordered to be got ready before next St
Andrew's Day.
1766. December 1. The Right Honourable James Stewart, Lord
Provost of Edinburgh, was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Hon-
ourable George, Earl of Dalhousie, was chosen Grand Master Elect.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d February 1767, the Grand
Lodge voted fifteen guineas to the funds of the Edinburgh Charity
Workhouse.
The Lodge Leith Kilwinning was consecrated on the 2d March by
Brother the Reverend James Hunter, minister in Leith.
The elegant Lodge at Dalkeith was consecrated on the 24th November,
by Brother Richard Tod, Substitute Grand Master.
1767. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Dal-
housie, was elected Grand Master.
This year the practice of granting diplomas was introduced into the
Grand Lodge.
At the Quarterly Communication on 15th March 1768, a charter was
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASON UY. 121
expede in favour of a Lodge in East Florida, by the name of *^ Grant's
East Florida," and a commission was also prepared appointing Goyemor
James Grant, Proyincial Grand Master over the Lodges in the southern
district of North America.
The Lodge Royal Arch, which had been disjoined from St Luke,
Edinburgh, was consecrated in the month of November by the Grand
Chaplain.
1768. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Dal-
housie, was re-elected Grand Master, and His Excellency Lieutenant-
General James Adolphus Oughton was chosen Grand Master Elect.
This year various Lodges were chartered and Provincial Grand Masters
appointed for the Leeward Islands ; Boston ; <kc., &c.
Several irregularities were committed by the Daughter Lodges at
laying the Foundation-stone of a bridge at Glasgow. It appeared that
they had elected a Grand Master and other 'Office-bearers for this purpose,
without thinking that such conduct was highly unconstitutional. The
Grand Lodge having written upon this subject to the Lord Provost of
Glasgow, who was then Provincial Grand Master of the district, a suit-
able apology was received.
1760. November 30. His Excellency Lieu tenant-General James
Adolphus Oughton was elected Grand Master.
A donation of five guineas was paid by the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master to the Charity Fund. No important events marked the pro-
ceedings of this year.
1770. November 30. His Excellency Lientenant-General Oughton
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable Patrick, Earl
of Dumfries, was chosen Grand Master Elect.
The Lodge St Andrew, Jamaica, exemplified their submission to the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, by applying for liberty to employ a person
of their own appointment for consecrating their Lodge, which was
unanimously agreed to.
On the 3d of April 1771, the Foundation-stone of the Cowgate
Episcopal Chapel^ was hud by his Excellency Lieutenant-General
1 tThis Chapel subsequently passed into the hands of the United Presby-
terians, and in 1866 into the possession of the Roman Catholic denomination,
and is now known as St Patrick's Catholic Chapel. It poseesses a fine altar-
piece by Rnnciman, the subject of one of the compartments being the Prodigal
Son, which, exdosive of its intrinsic merits as a work of art, has a peculiar
interest from the fact that the ^ Prodigal " is the only known portrait of
Ferguson the Poet.— E.]
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122 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Oaghton, Grand Master Mason of Scotland, attended by several gentle-
men of distinction. Several coins of bis present Majesty's reign were
deposited in tbe stone, under a plate, containing tbe following inscrip-
tion : —
iEdificii sacri EcclesisB Episc. AnglioB,
Primum posnit lapidem,
J. Adolphus Oughton,
In Arcbitectonica ScotisB Repub. Curio Maximus Militum Praefoctns,
Regnante Georoio III.
Tertio Apr. Die. a. d. mdcclxxi.
No regular procession of Masons attended upon tbis occasion, as tbe
countenance of tbe Grand Lodge was not solicited.
1771. November 30. Tbe Rigbt Honourable Patrick, Earl of Dum-
fries, was elected Grand Master.
A letter was addressed to tbe Grand Lodge by tbe Rigbt Worsbipful
tbe Grand Master, intimating tbat, as be was to lay tbe Foundationnstone
of tbe Harbour at Ayr on tbe 2 2d September 1772, be requested tbe
attendance of as many of tbe Office-bearers as possible on tbe occasion,
and also tbat tbe dotbing and jewels belonging to tbe Grand Lodge
sbould be sent witb tbem.
On tbe appointed day tbere were present at tbe Grand Lodge beld in
tbe Town of Ayr, tbe Rigbt Honourable Patrick, Earl of Dumfries,
Most Worsbipful Grand Master. David Dalrymple, Esq. of Orange-
field, Acting Depute Grand Master. Bain Wbyt, Esq. Acting Substi-
tute Grand Master. William Campbell, Esq. of Fairfield, Acting
Senior Grand Warden. William Logan, Esq. Acting Junior Grand
Warden. Alexander Macdougall, Esq. Grand Secretary. Rev. Mr
Macgill, Acting Grand Cbaplain. Mr David Bolt, Grand Clerk.
And tbe following Lodges : —
Ayr Kilwinning. St Andrew, Kilmarnock.
Maybole. Tbistle, Stewarton.
St Mamock, Kilmarnock. St Andrew, Girvan.
St James, Newton-Ayr.
Tbe Bretbren being convened at tbe King's Arms Tavern, tbe Grand
Master took bis place, and stated tbat as be was desirous tbat tbe great-
est attention and regularity sbould be observed in tbe course of tbe
solemnity, tbe following order of procession would be strictly adbered
to, viz. : —
Tbe youngest Lodges walking first, witb tbe Masters and Office-
bearers in tbe rear.
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THE BI8TORY OF FREE MASOMRY. 123
The Brethren belonging to promiscnous Lodges.
The Golden Compasses carried by an Operative Mason.
Five Grand Stewards with rods.
President of the Grand Stewards.
Golden Square, Level, and Plnmb, carried by three Operative Masons.
A Band of Instramental Music.
Three Grand Stewards with rods.
The Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain carrying the Bible,
and the Grand Clerk.
The Cornucopia and Golden Mallet, carried by the Grand Tyler,
and an Operative Mason.
The Grand Master, supported by his Depute and Substitute.
A body of Gentlemen Masons in their proper clothing.
In the above order the Brethren proceeded to the Church of Ayr,
where they heard an excellent discourse delivered by the Reverend Mr
Dalrymple, one of the ministers of that place, from Psalm oiv, verse
15 — '^ And wine maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face
to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart." After which
they proceeded in the same order as before to the place where the
Foundation-stone was to be laid ; there the Grand Master, attended by
his Officers, took his seat in a chair placed upon the end of the quay,
the Brethren being situated upon the opposite banks. When the com-
pany was properly arranged, the Foundation-stone was slung, by order
of the Substitute Grand Master, and let down, making three stops
before it came to the ground. In the meantime, the anthem was played
by the band^ and then sung by the Brethren. After which the Grand
Master, supported as before, and preceded by the proper Officers, passed
to the site of the stone, which be laid with the usual ceremonies, con-
cluding by pouring out com, wine, and oil, on the stone, saying, " May
the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply this town with abundance of
com, wine, and oil, and all the other conveniences of life." This being
succeeded by the Grand honours, the anthem was again played, and
when finished, the Grand Chaplain said, " As we have now laid this
Foundation-stone, may the Grand Architect of the Universe, of his kind
providence, enable us to carry on and finish what we have now begun ;
and may He be a guard to this place, and the town in general, and pre-
serve it from decay and ruin to the latest posterity.'* The ceremony
was closed with a short prayer for the Sovereign, the Fraternity, and the
people. The Brethren returned in procession from the Quay to the
King's Arms Tavem, (the youngest Lodges falling back and allowing the
Grand Lodge to pass, the senior Lodges following her in their proper
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124 THE HISTORY OF FREIS MASONRY.
order,) where an elegant entertainment was provided for them. All
the ships in the Harbour had their colours displayed, and fired several
rounds of cannon.
A letter was received by the Grand Secretary from the Grand Lodge
of England^ (according to the old Institntion,) containing a list of the
Office-bearers, and the following Resolutions which they had adopted.
" Reaolvedy
" That it is the opinion of this Grand Lodge, that a brotherly connec-
tion and correspondence with the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Scotland will be found productive of honour and advantage to the
Fraternity in general.
" Ordered,
" That the Grand Secretary shall transmit the names of the Officers of
this Grand Lodge to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland
yearly, or as often as any new change is made; together with such
information as may tend to the honour and interest of the Ancient
Craft; and that all such information or correspondence shall be con-
veyed in the most respectful terms^ such as may suit the honour and
dignity of both Grand Lodges.
" Ordered,
" That no Mason (who has been made under the sanction of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland,) shall be admitted a member nor partake of the gene-
ral charity, without having produced a certificate of his good behaviour
from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland ; but upon produce
ing such certificate, he shall receive all the honour due to a faithful
Brother of the same household with us.
" By Order,
(Signed) " William Dickey, G, Sec.
« To the Right Worshipful
'' The Grand Lodge of Scotland."
1772. November 30. The Right Honourable Patrick, Earl of Dum-
fries, was re^ elected Grand Master, and His Grace the Duke of Athole
• chosen Grand Master Elect.
The Grand Secretary laid before the Grand Lodge the letter, with
enclosures, from the Grand Lodge of England, which having been read
and considered, the Grand Lodge were of opinion that the brotherly
intercourse and correspondence which the Right Worshipful the Grand
Lodge of England was desirous to establish, would be serviceable to both
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 125
Oiand Lodges, and productiye of honour and advantage to the Fraternity
in general/it was therefore
" Ordered,
" That the Grand Secretary do transmit to the Secretary of the Grand
Lodge of England the names of the Officers of the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land elected this day; and shall henceforth transmit the names of the
Grand Officers yearly, or as often as any new change is made, and shall
lay sach letters, orders, or information, as he may from time to time
receire from the Grand Lodge of England, hefore this Grand Lodge,
their Quarterly Communications, or Standing Committee; and also,
shall transmit such information a^ may tend to the honour and advan-
tage of the Craft, according as he shall be by them directed ; and that
be assure the Right Worshipfiil the Grand Lodge of England, in the
most respectful manner, of the desire which the Grand Lodge of Scotland
has to cultivate a connection with them, by a regular correspondence,
for the interest of the Ancient Crafty suitable to the honour and dignity
of both Grand Lodges."
« Ord^ed,
" That no Mason (made under the sanction of the Grand Lodge of
England according to the old institution,) shall be admitted a member of
the Grand Lodge of Scotland, nor partake of the general charity, with-
oat having first produced a certificate of his good behaviour from the
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of England ; but. upon producing such
certificate, he shall receive all the honours and bounty due to a faithful
Brother of the same household with us.
'' By Order of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
" Alex. Macdougall, Grand Secretary.
" To the Right Worshipful
" The Grand Lodge of England."
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120 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FROM
NOVEMBER 1773 TO NOVEMBER 1798.
1773. November 30. His Grace the Duke of Atbole was elected
Grand Master.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master gave a donation of ten
guineas to the Charity Fund.
A few days before the Grand Election 1774, the Fraternity were
deprived by death of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master.
1774. November 30. David Dalrymple, Esq., was elected Grand
Master.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master intimated at this Election
the resignation of Brother Macdougall, the Grand Secretary ; and after
passing a high euloginm upon him for the assiduity with which he had
discharged the onerous duties of his office, moved, as a mark of the
appreciation in which his services were held by the Brethren, that '' he
should be elected a member of the Grand Lodge for life;*' which was
unanimously agreed to.
1775. November 30. David Dalrymple, Esq., was re-elected Grand
Master, and The Honourable Alexander, Earl of Balcarras, chosen
Grand Master Elect.
Some differences having arisen between the two Grand Lodges of
England, those who denominated themselves the Ancients submitte<i the
case to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, who, from motives of delicacy,
respectfully declined to interfere in the matter.^
The thanks of the Grand Lodge were unanimously vot«d to Brother
Captain M^Cumming, Right Worshipful Master of the Military Lodge
St George, 31st Regiment, for the very handsome and respectful manner
in which that Lodge had reported and settled their arrears.
* [These differences were adverted to in Part I, page 60, suprcu Happily,
in 1816, an understanding was come to, which enabled both Grand Lodges to
unite and form the now powerful and prosperous Grand Lodge of England. — E.]
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 127
1776. November 30. Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo, Bart, was
elected Grand Master.
At a meeting of the Grand Lodge on 21st June 1777, the Grand
Master intimated that the Lord Provost and Magistrates, together with
the Professors of the University, and the Masters and Committee
appointed for managing and conducting the building of the High School,
had fixed Tuesday the 24th instant for laying the Foundation-stone,
and that they requested the assistance of the Fraternity on that occasion.
To this request the Grand Ledge unanimously agreed ; and the cere-
mony was performed on the said day with great solemnity by Sir
William Forbes, Bart., the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Scot-
land, in presence of the Lord Provost and Magistrates, the Principal and
Professors of the University, the Rector, Masters, and Scholars of the
High School, and the Right Worshipful the Masters, Officers, and
Brethren of all the Lodges in the city and neighbourhood, besides a
large assemblage of spectators.
The Grand Lodge and Brethren met in the Parliament House ; the
Lord Provost and Magistrates assembled in the Council Chamber ; the
Professors of the University in the Goldsmiths' Hall ; and the Rector,
Masters, and Scholars, in the New Church. At two o'clock the pro-
cession moved in the following order : —
A party of the City Guard.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates, in their robes, with their Regalia
borne before them, by the proper officers.
The Principal and Professors of the University, in their Gowns, <kc.
The Rector of the High School, in his Gown, at the head of his Class,
the Scholars three and three.
The Four Masters in their Gowns, each at the head of his Class,
the Scholars three and three.
The Lodges in the following order, the Tylers walking before their
respective Lodges with drawn swords : —
St Laurence, Laurencekirk. St Luke, Edinburgh.
New Edinburgh, Kilwinning. St Giles, Edinburgh.
Carron. St Davids Edinburgh.
St James, Edinburgh. Journeymen, Edinburgh.
Royal Arch, Edinburgh. Canongate and Leith, Leith and
Morton, Lerwick. Canongate.
Royal Arch, Stirling. Canongate Kilwinning.
Thistle, Edinburgh. The Lodge of Edinburgh St
St Andrew, Edinburgh. Mary's Chapel.
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128 THE BISTORT OF FRBB MASONRT.
Band of Masic.
Grand Stewards with rods.
The Grand Lodge in the following order : —
The Golden Compasses^ carried by an Operative Mason.
Six Grand Stewards with rods, two and two.
Golden Square, Levels and Plamb, carried bj three Operative Masons.
Band of Music.
A Bodj of Masons attending the Most Worshipful the Grand Master^
three and three.
The remainder of the Grand Stewards, with rods^ two and two.
The President of the Board of Grand Stewards.
The Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Clerk.
Cornucopia and Golden Mallet, carried by the Grand Tyler and an
Operative Mason.
Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, with their batons.
Depute Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, and Substitute Master.
The Grand Master, supported by two Past Grand Masters.
Noblemen and Gentlemen who had formerly filled the office of
Most Worshipful Grand Master.
A Detachment of Military.
After proceeding down the High Street and Blackfriars' Wynd, they
arrived at the High School Yards, and entered the area where the New
School-house was to be built. The Lord Provost and Magistrates, the
Professors of the University, and the Scholars of the High School,
arranged themselves on the right side, and the Brethren on the left,
thus forming two lines, through which the' Grand Lodge walked up to
the south-east comer of the foundation where the stone was to be
deposited. The Substitute Grand Master having deposited in the cavities
of the stone the coins of His Majesty's reign, covered them with a plate,
on which the following inscription was engraved : —
Ex cura posteritatis, ut litersB human iores,
Virtusque ilia qme olim in gente Romana enituit,
Diu a juventute Scotiee colantur ;
Hsec Schola, Munificentia Publica, quam optime reficitur sub auspiciis
JoANNis Dalrvmple, CousuHs j
Nee non, Senatus Edinensis,
Primum lapidem posuit
OuLiELMUs Forbes, Eq. Aur.
In Architecton. Scot. Rep. Curio Max. A. S. H. mdcclxxvii,
Mrsd Architectonic8s vmdcclxxvii.
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THE HISTORY OF FR£B MASONRY. 129
The Ozand Master then standing on the east, with the Snbstitate on
his right hand, and the Grand Wardens on the west, the square, the
plnmb, the level, and the mallet^ were suocessively delivered to the
Sabstitnte, and bj him to the Grand Master, who applied the sqoare to
that part of the stone which was square, the plnmb to the several edges,
the level upon the stone in several positions, and with the mallet he gave
three knocks, saying, ** May the Grand Architect of the Universe grant
a blessing on this Foundation-stone which we have now laid, and by His
Providence enable us to finish this and every other work which may
be undertaken lor the embellishment and advantage of this city."
Whereupon the Brethren gave the Grand Honours. The oomncopia waa
then delivered to the Substitute, and the two silver vessels to the War-
dens, which were successively presented to the Grand Master ; who,
according to an ancient ceremony, poured on the stone the com, the
wine, and the oil, which they contained, saying, " May the All-bounteous
Author of Nature bless this city with an abundance of com, wine, and
oil, and with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life ; and
may the same Almighty Power preserve it from ruin and decay to the
latest posterity," which was succeeded by the Grand Honours from the
Brethren.
The Most Worshipfiil the Grand Master afterwards addressed him-
self to the Loid Provost, Magistrates, the Principal and Professors, the
Rector and Masters, and the Brethren, as follows : —
" My Lord Provost and Gentlemen of the Magistracy, Reverend
Principal and Professors op the University op Edinburgh.
'' In the name of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and of the ancient and
honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, as well as in my
own, I beg leave to retnm our united thanks for the honoar this day
done us by your presence at laying this Foundation-stone. May the.
City of Edinburgh continue to be blessed with able and upright Magis-
trates, ever watchful for the public good ; and may this University, now
so celebrated over all the world, be at all times equally happy in Pro-
fessors, whose learning and abilities may not only preserve, but add an
additional lustre to that mputation which she has, through yonr means,
so justly acquired.
With the prosperity both of the City and the University, I consider
this work, now so happily begun, to be most intimately connected ; for,
in this seminary of learning the foundation is laid of all useful knowledge ;
and there the minds of youth receive impressions which often determine
the late of all their future fortunes. As a citizen of Edinburgh, there-
fore, as well as a member of that committee to whose care the conduct
9
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130 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of this building haa been entraated, I beg leave to express my own and
the committee's warmest acknowledgments, not only to you, my Lord
Provost, and the gentlemen here present, but to all those persons of dis-
tinction in both kingdoms, who have already so generously contributed
to the erection of this School. After having fortunately surmounted a
variety of obstacles which unavoidably attend the commencement of
every public scheme, we rejoice in the idea of seeing it now carried on
with ardour, and without interruption. As good citizens, we are happy
with the prospect of not only promoting that most important of all
objects, the public education of youth, but of adding even somewhat to
the grandeur of this city, by a building, which, though meant to be void
of all superfluous ornament, will, we trust, exhibit a decency of appear-
ance well suited to the purpose it is intended to serve ; and as parents, we
fondly flatter ourselves with the pleasing hope that our children and our
children's children, to the latest generation, will reap the benefit, and
feel the happy effects of your public-spirited and well-timed munificence.
" To you, Mr Rector, and to your colleagues of the High School, I
am happy in this opportunity of publicly expressing the approbation of
every citizen for the uncommon attention you have hitherto bestowed on
the education of the young gentlemen committed to your care. The
high character which your school has acquired can receive no stronger
testimony than from the number of scholars now present ; and I per-
suade myself we have this day exhibited a spectacle the most pleasing,
of all others, to the city ; for no sight can be so interesting to a commu-
nity in general, and to parents in particular, as the appearance of so
many of the rising generation who have to-day attended our solemnity.
I cannot doubt that you will earnestly endeavour to preserve the high
reputation of this seminary of learning, by the utmost exertion of your
zeal and assiduity ; that you will make it subservient not only to the
acquiring of languages, which, though the most obvious, is not the sole
object of a grammar school, but that you will be ever watchful to instil
into the minds of your youthful charge the true principles of virtue and
religion, that they may thereby be rendered worthy men and valuable
members of society.
" To the Right Worshipful Masters, the Worshipful Wardens, and all
my worthy Brethren who have honoured me with so very numerous
and respectable an attendance in my public character on this occasion, I
beg leave to return my warmest thanks. It shall ever be my pride and
my pleasure to express my gratitude by contributing all in my power
to the honour and the interest of that Society, to the head of which
your partiality has exalted me. As we are all equally interested in
this important (I may even say National) work, which we have now
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THE 4IISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 131
began^ permit me earnestly to recommend to you all, my Brethren, to
exert yourselves, as far as the influence of each indiyidual may extend^
in procuring contributions towards carrying it on ; for although the
sums already subscribed be indeed considerable, they are yet far short
of the money that will be required to bring it to a happy conclusion."
No ceremony, for many years past, had given such heartfelt satis^
faction to the inhabitants. The importance of the object, the numerous
attendance of Brethren, and above all, the appearance of above three
hundred and fifty scholars, afforded a most pleasing spectacle.
The Brethren aiterwards repaired to their several Lodges to celebrate
the Festival of St John, and spent the evening with that harmony and
decency peculiar to the Order.
At the Quarterly Communication on 20th November, it was resolved
that in future the Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge take
place on the first Monday of February, May, August, and November.
1777. December 1. Sir William Forbes, Bart., was re-elected
Grand Master, and the Most Noble John, Duke of Athole, was chosen
Grand Master Elect.
On the 24th of January J 778, William St Clair of Rosslin died at the
age of 78. In consequence of the loss of this amiable man and zealous
Mason, the Grand Master ordered a Grand Funeral Lodge to be held on
the 14th of February. Above four hundred of the Brethren, dressed in
fall mourning, having assembled on that occasion. Sir William Forbes^
Bart., the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, delivered the following
Funeral Oration : —
" Right Worshipful Majstbrs, Worshipful Wardens, and
Worthy Brethren,
*' I should have been greatly wanting in my duty had I not called
you together on ao solemn an occasion as the death of our late Most
Worshipful Grand Master and worthy Brother St Clair of Rosslin, to
whom our Craft lies under very high and peculiar obligations.
'* Funeral Orations are but too often perverted from their proper
purposes, and instead of exhibiting faithful portraits of departed merit,
are prostituted to the arts of pompous declamation and unmeaning
panegyric. It would be no very difiicult task for one in this manner to
give utterance to a set of high-sounding words, and make a display
of all the virtues that can adorn the human character ; but this
would neither do honour to my audience nor to myself, far less to the
person whose death we now meet to commemorate. As something, how-
ever, is probably expected from me in the office which I have now the
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132 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
honoar to fill, I shall beg leave to occupy your attention for a few minutes,
whilst I recal to your remembrance, what he was, and the gratitade
which we owe to the memory of this worthy Brother.
*< Descended from an ancient and iUnstrious honse, wliose heroes have
often bled in their country's cause, he inherited their intrepid spirit,
united with the milder virtues of humanity, and the polished manners
of a gentleman. Athletic and active, he delighted in all the manly
exercises, and in all of them excelled most of his ootemporaries.
Ardent in his pursuits, he steadily perserered in promoting the interests
of every public society, whether of business or amusement, of which he
was a member^ and thereby justly obtained pre-eminence in each.
" Of this laudable spirit on the part of our worthy Brother, no society
can afford a more remarkable instance than our own. Among other
marks of royal approbation conferred on his ancestors for their faithful
and valuable services, they enjoyed the dignity of Grand Master Mason,
by charters of high antiquity, from the Kings of Scotland. This heredi-
tary honour continued in the family of Rosslin until the year 1736, when,
with a disinterestedness of which there are few examples, he made a
voluntary resignation of the office into the hands of the Craft in general,
by which, from being hereditary, it has ever since been elective ; and it is
in consequence of such a singular act of generosity that, by your suf-
frages, I have now the honour to fill this chair. His zeal, however, to
promote the welfare of our society, was not confined to this single
instance, for he continued, almost to the very close of his life, on all
occasions where his influence or his example could prevail, to extend
the spirit of Masonry, and to increase the number of the Brethren. It
is therefore with justice that his name should ever be dear to the Craft,
and that we lament the loss of one who did such honour to our Institution.
'' To these more conspicuous and public parts of his character, I am
happy to be able to add that he possessed, in an eminent degree, the
virtues of a benevolent and good heart, — virtues which ought ever to be
the distinguishing marks of a true Brother.
'' Though those ample and flourishing possessions which the house of
Rosslin once inherited, had, by the mutability of human things, almost
totally mouldered away, so as scarcely to leave to him the vestiges of
their ancient and extensive domains, yet he not only supported with
decent dignity the appearance of a gentleman, but he extended his
bounty to many, and^ as far as his fortune permitted, was ever ready to
assist those who claimed the benefit of his protection. If, in the course
of his transactions in business, his schemes were not always successful, —
if a sanguine temper sometimes led him far in the pursuit of a favourite
plan, — whatever might be urged against his prudence, none ever sus-
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 133
pected the rectitude of his principles ; and if at any time he was unin-
tentionally the cause of misfortune to others, it was never without his
heing at the same time a sufferer.
" After this hrief, but, I hope, just and well-merited eulogium, permit
me to claim your attention a little longer to a few reflections which
naturally present themselves on such an occasion ; and which therefore^
I hope, will not be thought foreign to the purpose of our present meet-
ing. I need hardly remark, that commemorations such as this are
meant not solely in honour of the dead, but chiefly of advantage to the
living. Our worthy Brother is now gone to that land where, in respect
of the passions and prej indices of mortals, all things are forgotten, —
where he is £ftr removed from the applause or censure of the world.
But whatever can tend to enhance the value of departed merits must, to
an ingenuous mind, prove an incitement to the performance of praise-
worthy actions ; and if we make the proper use of this recent instance
of mortality, our Brother's death may prove of higher utility to us than
all those advantages for which^ in his lifetime, we stood indebted to hiro.
'* My younger Brethren will permit me to remark to them, that
although this our Most Worshipful Brother attained to that age which
David has marked as the boundary of human life, at the same time
without experiencing any great degree of that 'labour and sorrow'
which the royal prophet has recorded as the inseparable concomitant of
so advanced a period ; although his mental faculties remained unim-
paired to the last, and even his bodily strength had sufiered but a slight
and Yeiy late decay, we are not to look on this as a common instance,
nor to expect that we shall certainly be indulged with an equal longev-^
ity; for hair so grey as his is permitted but to a few, and few can
boast of so singular an exemption from the usual uneasiness of advanced
age. Let us not^ therefore, vainly flatter ourselves that we have still
many years unexhausted, in which we shall have time sufficient for the
performance of the duties peculiar to our respective stations ; nor from
this idea delay those tasks which^ although of infinite importance, we
may be disposed to postpone a little longer, because they are not» per-
haps, of a very pleasing nature.
'' If this instance of our aged Brother should seem to contradict my
assertion, I am able to confirm it by another recent event, which but
^too fully proves the justness of my observation. The hallowed earth is
but newly laid over the remains of a noble lady,^ cut off in the morning
of her days. Blest with health, with youth, with beauty, riches, titles ;
beloved by all who knew her ; yet all these ' blushing honours ' could
avail her nothing, — ^they quickly vanished ; and, * like the baseless fabric
> The CounteflB of Eglinton, who died at the age of 21.
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134 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
of a vision, left not a wreck behind.' So sudden, so unexpected was her
fate, so little did she think of instant dissolution, that she drew her last
breath without a moment's time to say, ' May heaven receive my parting
spirit.' An awful warning this I May it strike such forcible conviction
on our minds of the uncertainty of all sublunary things, that we may
study to live with innocence like hers, lest our &te may steal upon us
equally sudden and equally unlooked for.
" To my Brethren, who, like myself, have passed the middle period of
life, allow me to say, that by having already spent thirty or forty years
in this world, our chance of making a much longer residence in it is
greatly diminished ; and even the longest life with which our hopes may
flatter us, will shortly come to an end. When we look forward to the
years yet to come, the space indeed, in fancy's eyes, seems almost im-
measurable ; but when we look back on the same space already past,
how does it appear contracted almost 'to nothing. Happy if we can
look back on something better than a total blank : If we can discover,
on a careful and impartial review, that the general tenor of our conduct
has been virtuous, our anxiety to live many more days should be the
less ; but if we find nothing by which to mark our former years but
scenes of guilt or folly, the time we have yet to spend on earth may prove
too short to expiate them, and we may be called out of the world
before the great business of life be finished, perhaps even before it be
properly begun. It is, therefore, our indispensable duty to employ well
that period which may yet be granted to ns, and not to waste in idle-*
ness those precious hours that Heaven has lent us for the noblest par-
poses, and of which we must one day render a severe account.
" My Brethren who are farthest advanced in years will not, I hope, be
ofiended if they are reminded of their mortality by a Brother younger
than themselves; because it is by one who has but lately escaped from the
gates of the grave, and exhibited, in his own person, a striking instance in
how few hours the highest health and strength may be reduced to a state
of the lowest debility. It has pleased Heaven, however, to spare me a
little longer, in order to show, perhaps, that in the hands of the Almighty
alone are the issues of life and death ; and that not a single moment of
our mortal existence but the present can we call our own. This uncer-
tainty of life is indeed, of all reflections, the most obvious ; yet, though
the most important, it is unhappily too often the most. neglected. What
a gloom would come over our spirits, what agitations would be raised
in this assembly, were the book of fate to be unrolled to our view. If
Providence should permit us to penetrate this moment into futurity,
and to foresee the fate of ourselves and others only to the end of the
present year, some of us, who perhaps suppose death to be at a great
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 135
distance, would see him already at the very door. Some who, in full
security, are dreaming of a long course of years yet to come, would find
that they have already entered on their last, and that before it come to
a close, they, like our departed Brother^ shall be mingled with the dust.
A grh&t part of this assembly, by the course of nature, will probably sur-
vive a little longer ; but it is morally certain that some of us, before the
sun has made another annual revolution, will be removed hence to that
unchangeable state, where our doom will be fixed for ever. And
although Heaven has wrapt in impenetrable darkness who they are that
shall pass through the vale of the shadow of death during that short
period, in order that we may all live in a state of habitual preparation,
yet who can have the presumption to say that he himself shall not bo
the first to Visit ' that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no
traveller returns.'
" How careful, therefore, ought we to be not to disappoint the wise
design of this mysterious secrecy, nor pervert what is meant to keep
us perpetually on our guard, into a source of fatal security ; for the day
will most assuredly come (whether sooner or later is of little import-
ance to uSj) when we likewise shall be numbered with those that have
been. May we all endeavour, therefore, so to live daily, as we shall
fervently wish we had lived when that awful moment overtakes us, in
which our souls shall be required of us. May we study to act in such a
mauner that our practice may prove the best comment on the principles
of our Craft, and thereby teach the world that charity and brotherly love,
integrity of heart, and purity of manners, are not less the distinguishing
characteristics of Masonry than of religion. Then may we piously hope,
that when a period even still more awful than the hour of our dissolu-
tion shall arrive, when the last trumpet shall sound^ and the dead shall
be raised incorruptible, when our scattered atoms shall be collected, and
we shall all appear in the presence of the Lord God Omnipotent^ ' the
high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity,' that our transgressions will
be mercifully forgiven, and that the Grand Architect of the Universe
will be graciously pleased to give us rest from all our labours, by admis-
sion into the celestial fraternity of angels, and the spirits of just men
made perfect.
" To Him be all the glory, honour, and praise, for ever and ever.
Amen."
After the delivery of the above, the Resurrection Hymn, and several
other select pieces, were sung by the Brethren, and the whole was con-
ducted with a degree of solemnity and propriety suitable to the nature
of their meeting.
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186 THE BISTORT OF FRBB MASONRY.
The following beaiitifal lines, composed for the occasioD, were sung to
the tone of BaesUn Ccutle : —
^ Frail man ! how like the meteor's blaze^
How evanescent are thy days ;
Protracted to its longest date.
How short the time indnlg'd by fate,
No force death's potent arm can brave ;
Nor wisdom's self elude the grave :
Where'er our various joarnies tend,
To this we soon or late descend.
Thither from mortal eye retir'd.
Though oft beheld, and still admir'd,
St Clair to dust its claims resigns^
And in snblimer regions shines.
Let us, whom ties fraternal bind.
Beyond the rest of human kind.
Like St Chur live, like St Glair die.
Then join the Eternal Lodge on high."
1778. NoYEMBBR 30. The Most Noble John, Duke of Athole, was
elected Grand Master ; his Grace was also elected in Aagost^lTT^, Onmd
Master of the Grand Lodge of England, according to the old Insti-
tatioD.
At the Quarterly Commnnication on the 1st November 1779, the
Grand Secretary said he had to perform the melancholy duty of intimat-
ing the death of Brother David Bolt, the kte Grand Clerk, and also that
of the Grand Tyler.
The Sabstitnte Grand Master stated that as the Brethren of the Lodge
St Giles had dissolved their Lodge and joined the Canongate Kilwinning,
he moved that the Grand Lodge approve of this step, and eraze the name
of Si Giles* Lodge from the roll, which was nnanimoasly agreed to, and
the Grand Secretary instmcted thereanent acoordingly.
1779. November 30. The Most Noble John, Duke of Athole, was
re-elected Grand Master ; and the Right Hononrable Alexander Earl of
Balcarras, Grand Master Elect.
The Grand Lodge, at the Quarterly Commmiication on 1st May 1780,
decreed that one guinea should be the minimum fee of initiation in
future in all Lodges under her jurisdiction.
Amongst the Charters granted this year was one in &your of the
Lodge St Magnus, Gottenburg.
1780. NoTEMBER 30. The Right Honourable Alexander, Eari of
Balcarras, was elected Grand Master.
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THB BISTORT OF FREB MASONRY. 137
1781. NoYBMBER 30. The Right Honoarable Alexander, Earl of
Balcarras, was re-elected Qrand Master; and the Right Honouiable
Lord Haddo; chosen Grand Master Elect.
No erents of interest distinguished either of the preceding years.
1782. NoYEMBBR 80. The Right Honoarable Darid, Earl of Bnchan,
was elected Grand Master.
The thanks of the Grand Lodge were roted to Brother Dr Nathaniel
Spens, now Depute Grand Master, for the able manner in which he had
discharged for several years the dnties of Sabstitate Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge, at the Qoarterlj Communication on 4th August
1 783, approred of the senior member (out of office) of the Lodge Journey-
men, Edinburgh, carrying the mallet in all future processions of the*
Grand Lodge.
1783; December 1. The Right Honourable Darid, Earl of Buchan,
was re-elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d -May 1784, a petition was
receired from several Scotch Masons who had been commissioned by the
Empress of All the Russias to settle in her capital, praying for a Charter
of Erection for a Lodge at St Petersburgh, under the name of the '' Im-
perial Scottish Lodge of St Petersburgh ;*' which prayer was unanimously
granted.
1784. NoYEMBER 30. The Right Honourable Geoige, Loid Haddo,
was elected Grand Master.
On the 1st of August 1785, the Foundation-stone of the South Bridge,
Edinburgh, was laid with great solemnity by the Right Honourable
Lord Haddo, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland, in pre-
sence of the Right Honourable the Lord Provost and Magistrates, a
number of nobility and gentiy, the Masters, Officers, and Brethren of all
the Lodges in the city and neighbourhood, and a great concourse of
spectators. The streets were lined by the 58th Regiment and the City
Guard.
At half-past twelve the procession moved from the Parliament House
in the following order : —
The Magistrates in their Robes.
A Band of Instrumental Music.
A Band of Singers.
The Lodges according to their seniority, the Brethren walking three
and three.
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138 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Lodge of Grand Stewarda.
The Golden Coinpasses carried by an Operatiye Mason.
Golden Sqaare, Leyel, and Plumb, carried by three Operatire Masons.
Band of Music.
A body of Masons attending upon the Grand Master, three and three.
Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Clerk.
The Cornucopia and Golden Mallet, carried by the Tyler of the Grand
Lodge, and an Operative Mason.
Grand Wardens with their Batons.
The Depute Grand Master, Treasurer, and Substitute.
'The Most Worshipful The Grand Master, supported by two
Past Grand Masters.
Noblemen and Gentlemen, Past Grand Masters, three and three.
A Detachment of Soldiers.
After proceeding down the High Street and Niddry's Wynd, the
Lord ProYost and Magistrates, &c., arranged themselYOS on the right
and the Brethren on the left, when the Grand Master, the Substitute
Grand Master, and Grand Wardens, walked up to the place where the
stone lay. In the cavity of the stone the Substitute Grand Master de-
posited the coins of His Majesty's reign, and covered it with a plate, on
which was the following inscription : —
Annuente Deo optimo max! mo,
Reguante Georgio III, Patre PatrisD,
Hujus pontis,
Quo vici extra mc&nia Edinburgi, urbi commode adjungerentur,
Aditumque non indignum tanta nrbs haberet,
Primum lapideni posuit
Nobilis Vir Georgius Dominus Haddo,
Antiquissimi sodalitii Architectonici, apud Scotos curio maximus,
Plaudente amplissima fratrum corona, immensaque populi frequentia
Opus,
Utile ciribus, gratum advenis, urbi decorum, patrise honestum,
Diu multumque desideratum,
Consule Jacobo Hunter Blair,
Incepti auctore indefesso,
Sanciente Rege Senatuque Britannite, approbantibus omnibus,
Tandem inchoatum est.
Ipsis Kalendis Augusti, a.d. mdcclxxxv,
JFaTib Architectonics ymdcclxxxv,
Q. F. F. Q. S.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE HA80NRY. 139
The Grand Master then standing on the east, with the Substitute on
his right hand, and the Grand Wardens on the west, the square, the
plumb, the level, and the mallet, were successively delivered by an
operative to the Substitute, and by him to the Grand Master, who,
having applied them in the usual manner, said, ^ May the Grand Archi-
tect of the Universe grant a blessing on this Foundation-stone which we
have now laid, and by His Providence enable us to finish this and every
other work which may be undertaken for the embellishment and advan-
tage of this city," whereupon the Brethren gave the Grand Honours.
The cornucopia and two silver vessels were then successively presented
to the Grand Master, who, according to ancient form, poured the com,
wine, and oil which they contained on the stone, saying : — "May the All-
bounteous Author of Nature bless this city with an abundance of com,
wine, and oil, and with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of
life, and may the same Almighty Power preserve this city from ruin and
decay to the latest posterity;" — ^the Brethren giving the Grand Honours.
The Grand Master, supported on the right by the Duke of Buccleuch,
and on the left by the Earl of Balcarras, addressed the Lord Provost and
Magistrates in a suitable speech, and on the Anthem being sung, the
procession returned to the Parliament House iu reverse order, where the
Lodge being closed, the Brethren were dismissed.
An elegant entertainment was afterwards given by the Lord Provost
and Magistrates to the Grand Lodge, and those noblemen and gentlemen
who had assisted in the ceremony.
On 7th November the Grand Lodge granted a Charter of Consti-
tution and Erection to the Brethren of the Lodge Pythagorean Kil-
winning, Antigua, hitherto holding from the Lodge Mother Kilwinning.
1785. November 80. The Right Honourable George, Lord Haddo,
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Honourable F. Charteris, younger
of Amisfield, chosen Grand Master Elect.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th August 1786, the Grand
Lodge ordained '^ that the Brethren, in all time coming, shall address no
Master by the style or title of Grand, but he who shall have the honour
to be chosen Grand Master of Scotland, that title belonging to none but
him so chosen ;^ which decree was also ordered to be engrossed in the
Grand Lodge records, 'Uhat Brethren may not in future plead ignorance
of forms so necessary to be observed in all regularly constituted Lodges."
A correspondence was opened this year between the Grand Lodges of
Scotland and Berlin.
1786. November 30. The Honourable Francis Charteris, younger of
Amisfield, was elected Grand Master.
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140 THB HlfiTTORT OF FREE MASONRY.
This year the Brethren met in the aisle of the New Church, at one
o'clock, for the election of Grand Office-bearers, instead of the Parlia-
ment House at Beven o'clock, as hitherto, and after the Election walked
in procession to St Andrew's Church, where an eloquent sermon was
delirered hj the Rev. Brother James Wright,^ of Majbole, and a collec-
tion made on behalf of the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge.
A Charter was granted at the Quarterly Communication on 5th
Norember 1787, to a French Lodge at Aix, in Provence, under the
title of '* La Douce Harmonic.'*
On the 26th November, Brother Thomas Hay, Substitute Grand
Master^ consecrated the new Lodge belonging to the Lodge Journeymen,
Edinburgh.
1787. November 30. The Honourable Francis, Lord Elcho, was
elected Grand Master.
A Charter was granted in February 1788, to a Lodge at Rouen,
under the title of '* Ardente AmitiV and another to a number of
Brethren in Marseilles, under the name of " The Faithful Friends de
L'Orient de Marseilles."
Louis Clavel, Right Worshipful Master of the Scottish Lodge at
Rouen, was appointed Provincial Grand Master over all the Lodges in
France holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
On 2dd September, the Right Honourable Lord Haddo, in absence of
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Scotland, accompanied by
the Grand Lodge with the proper insignia, the Lord Provost, Magis-
trates, and Council of Edinburgh, in their robes, the Magistrates of
Leith, and several of the principal inhabitants, <&c., walked in procession
from the Assembly Rooms, Leith, and laid the Foundation-stone of the
Drawbridge at the Harbour there, with the usual solemnities. In the
stone were deposited the coins of his Majesty's reign, covered with a
silver plate, on which was the following inscription : —
Florente Sub Imperio Georgii III,
Omni Britannise ora,
OpibuB, Artibus, Commercio, Civitas Edinburgensis,
Yeterem suum LethsB Portura,
Navium multitudinem undique appellentium,
^ [He was the author of a work entitled ^ A Recommendation to Brotherly
Love, upon the principles of Christianity ; to which is subjoined an Enquiry into
the true design of the Institution of Masonry, in Four Books," which, though
now little known, was, on its appearance in 1786, publicly recommended to the
Brethren by the Grand Lodf^, in resolutions published in the Edinburgh news-
papers.—E.]
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THE HI8T0RT OF FREB MASONRT. 141
Jam non capientem munifioe ampliayity a.d. mdcolxxxyiu,
Urbis Consale ivto Joanne Grieve,
HnJHS molis primam lapidem posuit
Nobilis Yir Georgius Dohinus Haddo, die Septembris, xxiif*.
iBrss ArchiteotonicaB yhdcolxxxtiii.
All the ships in tbe harbour displayed their colours upon this occasion.
1788. December 1. The Honourable Francis, Lord Napier, was
elected Grand Master.
On 16th November 1789, the Foundation-stone of the University of
Edinburgh was laid by the Right Honourable Francis, Lord Napier,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland, in presence of the
Right Honourable the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town-Connoil of
the City of Edinburgh, the Principal, Professors, and Students of the
University, a number of nobility and gentry, and the Masters, Officers,
and Brethren of all the Lodges in the city and neighbourhood, besides an
immense number of spectators. The Brethren assembled within the
Parliament House at eleven o'clock a. m., to meet the Grand Master,
who, when the Lodges were arranged, sent notice thereof to the Lord
Provost and Magistrates, assembled in the Council Chamber, and to the
Principal, Professors, and students of the University, who were met in the
High Church ; after which the procession moved in the following order : —
The Principal, Professors, and Students, with their mace carried
before them. Principal Robertson being supported on the right by
the Rev. Dr Hunter, Professor of Di?inity ; and on the left by
the Rev. Dr Hardy, Professor of Church History.
The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, preceded by the Sword,
Mace, &0,
A Band of Singers.
The Grand Stewards.
The Noblemen and Gentlemen attending the Grand Master.
A large drawing of the east front of the College, carried by two
Operative Masons.
The Grand Jewels.
The Grand Lodge.
A Band of Instrumental Music.
The Lodges according to their seniority, the Lodge of St Mary's
Chapel walking first.
A detadiment of the 35th Regiment and the City Guard lined the
Streets.
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142 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The Instramental Band accompanied the singers in the first three
songs, in going to the ceremony. Upon arriving at the site the Instra-
mental Band played " Come let us prepare^' until all the Lodges had
taken their places. The Substitute Grand Master, assisted by Mr
Robert Adam, the architect of this noble work, proceeded to place the
medals, writings, &c., in the stone. Then the Grand Master, stand-
ing on the east, with the Substitute on his right hand, and the
Grand Wardens on the west, the square, the plumb, the level,
and the mallet, were successively delivered by an Operatire to the
Substitute, and by him to the Grand Master, who applied the square
to that part of the stone that was square, the plumb to the several
edges, the level above the stone in several positions, and with the
mallet he gave three knocks, saying, — '* May the Grand Architect
of the Universe grant a blessing on this Foundation -stone which we
have now laid, and by His Providence enable us to finish this and every
other work which may be undertaken for the embellishment and advan-
tage of this city ;" — which was succeeded by the Grand Honours from
the Brethren. The cornucopia and two silver vessels were then suc-
cessively presented to the Grand Master, who, according to an ancient
ceremony, poured the corn, the wine, and the oil on the stone, saying, —
" May the All-bounteous Author of Nature bless this city with abun-
dance of corn, wine, and oil, and with all the necessaries, conveniences,
and comforts of life ; and may the same Almighty Power preserve this
city from ruin and decay to the latest posterity ;" which was followed
by the Grand Honours from the Brethren. The Grand Master then
addressed the Lord Provost and Magistrates as follows : —
" My Lord Provost and Magistrates of the City^ of Edinburgh.
'^ In compliance with your request, I have now had the honour, in the
capacity of Grand Master Mason of Scotlan4, to lend my aid towards
laying that stone on which it is your intention to erect a new College.
I must ever consider it as one of the fortunate events of my life that
the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons should be called forth to assist
at an undertaking so laudable and so glorious, during the time that,
from their afiection, I have the honour of sitting in the chair of the
Grand Lodge.
" The attention to the improvement of this city manifested by the
Magistrates your predecessors in office, has for many years excited the
admiration of their fellow-citizens. The particular exertions of your
Lordship and your colleagues have merited, and it gives me infinite
satisfaction to say have obtained, the universal approbation of all ranks
of men. The business of this day, equally to be remembered in the
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 143
annals of this citj and of Masonry, will transmit your name with lustre
to posterity. Thousands yet unborn, learning to admire your virtues,
will thereby be stimulated to follow the great example you hare set
them of steady patriotism, love to your country, and an anxious desire
to advance the welfare and increase the fame of the city of Edinburgh.
*' In the name of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons, and in my
own, I sincerely implore the protection of the Supreme Architect of the
Universe on your Lordship and your brethren in the Magistracy : May
you long continue here the ornaments of civil society ; and may you here-
after be received into those Lodges prepared in Heaven for the blessed."
To this address the Lord Provost, in name of the Magistrates and
Town-Council, made a suitable reply.
The Grand Master then addressed the Principal, as representing the
University of Edinburgh, in the following words : —
" Reverend Sir,
" Permit me to congratulate you as Principal, and your brethren as
Professors of the University of Edinburgh, on the work in which we
have this day been engaged ; a work worthy of your patrons, who, ever
considering the public good, will not permit the seat of learning established
in this Ancient Metropolis to bear the appearance of decay, at a time
when so much attention is bestowed on the elegance and convenience
both of public and private edifices.
" Permit me likewise to congratulate my country on the probability of
seeing the different chairs of the magnificent structure now to be erected
filled by men distinguished for their piety, as eminent for their learning,
and as celebrated for their abilities, as those to whom I now have the
honour of addressing myself.
" Any panegyric I can pronounce must fall so far short of what is due
to yon. Sir, and your honourable and learned coadjutors, that it would be
presumption in me to attempt to express my sense of your deserts ;
suffice it to say, that the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the Lodges de-
pending upon her^ are most happy in having this opportunity of assist-
ing at, and witnessing the laying the Foundation, from whence, it is
their earnest wish, a building may arise which in future ages may be as
renowned for the excellence of its teachers, and as much respected for
the propriety of conduct in its students^ as the University now is, over
which yon have the peculiar satisfaction of presiding.
" May the Almighty Architect, the Sovereign Disposer of all events,
grant that the Principal and Professors of this College may continue to
deliver their instructions, and the students to receive their admonitions.
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144 THE HI8tbRY OF FREE HABONRY.
in such a manner as may redound to the glory of Ood, the {Promotion of
Science^ and the extension of all useful learning."
To which the Very Reyerend Principal Rohertson made the following
reply : —
*' From rery humble beginnings, the Unirersity of Edinburgh has
attained to such eminence as entitles it to be ranked among the most
celebrated seminaries of learning. Indebted to the bounty of several of
our Soyereigns ; distinguished particularly by the gracious Prince now
seated on the British Throne, whom, with gratitude we reckon among the
most munificent of our royal benefactors, and cherished by the continued
attention and good offices of our Honourable Patrons, this University
can now* boast of the number and variety of its institutions for the
instruction of youth in all the branches of literature and science.
" With what integrity and discernment persons have been chosen to
preside in each of these departments, the character of my learned col-
leagues affords the most satisfying evidence. From confidence in
their abilities, and assiduity in discharging the duties of their re-
spective offices, the University of Edinburgh has become a seat of
education not only to youth in every part of the British Dominions, but,
to the honour of our Country, students have been attracted to it from
almost every Nation in Europe, and every State in America. One thing
still was wanting. The apartments appropriated for the accommoda*
tion of Professors and students were so extremely unsuitable to the
flourishing state of the University, that it has long been the general wish
to have buildiugs more convenient erected. What your Lordship has
now done, gives a near prospect of having this wish accomplished ; and
we consider it as a most auspicious circumstance that the Foundation-
stone of this new mansion of science is laid by your Lordship, who,
among your ancestors, reckon a man whose original and universal
genius place him high among the illustrious persons who have contri-
buted most eminently to enlarge the boundaries of human knowledge.
'' Permit me to add, what I regard as my own peculiar felicity, that
by having remained in my present station much longer than any of my
predecessors, I have lived to witness an event so beneficial to this Uni-
versity, the prosperity of which is near to my heart, and has ever been
the object of my warmest wishes.
'' May Almighty God, wl^iout the invocation of Whom no action of
importance should be commenced, bless this undertaking, and enable us
to carry it on with success. May He continue to protect our University,
the object of whose institutions is to instil into the minds of youth prin-
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THB HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY. 145
ciples of soand knowledge, to inspire tbem with the love of religion and
virtae, and to prepare them for filling their yarious situations in societj
with honour to themselves and with benefit to their country.
" All this we ask in the name of Christ ; and unto the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit, we ascribe the kingdom, power, and glory.
Amen.'*
After the Principal had finished his speech, the Brethren gaye the
Grand Honours, which concluded the ceremony.
Two glass bottles were deposited in the Foundation-stone. In one
of these were the coins of the present reign, each of which had
been previously enveloped in crystal in such an ingenious manner
that the obverse and reverse could be distinctly seen and read
without breaking the glass. In the other bottle were deposited seven
rolls of vellum, containing a short account of the original foundation
and present state of the University, together with several other
papers, coins, 4feo., with the various newspapers of the day, containing
advertisements relative to the College, a list of the Lord Provost
and Magistrates, the Principal and Professors, and a roll of the Ofiice-
bearers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. The bottles being care-
fully sealed up, were covered with a plate ~of copper, upon one side
of which was engraved the arms of the City and the University, also the
arms of the Right Honourable Lord Napier, the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master. Upon the other side was a Latin inscription, of which
the following is a copy : —
Annuente Deo. Opt Max.
Begnante Gborgio III, Principe munificentissimo,
AcademiaB Edinburgensis ^dibus initio quidem humillimis,
£t jam, post duo secula, pene ruinosis,
Novi hujus iSdificii
Ubi commoditati simul et eleganti®, tanti doctrinamm domicilii,
DignaB consoleretur,
Primum lapidem posnit,
Plaudente ingente omnium ordinum frequentia,
Vir Nobilissimus Frajnciscus Dohinus Napier,
Reipub. Architectionica) apud Scotos, Curio Mazimus,
XVI. Kal. Novemb. anno salutis humanss mdcglxxxix.
iErsB ArchitectonicsD looidCCLXXXix.
Consule Thoha Eldib^
Academiae Prsefecto Gulielmo Robertson,
Architecto Roberto Adam.
Q. F. F. Q. S.
10
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146 TBB HISTORY OP PREB MASONBT.
The anthem haring been sung, the Brethren returned, the whole pro-
cession being reversed. When the Junior Lodge arrived at the door of
the Parliament House, it fell back to the right and left, within the line
of soldiers, when the Principal, Professors, and Students, the Lord
Provost^ Magistrates, and Town-Council, and the Grand Lodge, passed
through uncovered. The Grand Master was supported on the right by
Sir William Forbes, Bart., as Past Grand Master, and on the left by his
Grace the Duke of Buccleuch.
The Lord Provost and Magistrates had invited many of the nobility
and gentry from all parts of the country to be present, these and the
immense multitude of all classes desirous of witnessing so magnificent
a spectacle, filled the streets and windows, and even the roofs of the
houses, all the way from the Parliament Close down the High Street
and South Bridge Street, near the south end of which the stone was
laid. It was computed that there was not less than 20,000 spectators,,
who preserved the greatest order, so that not the slightest accident
occurred to mar the proceedings of the day.
1789. November 30. The Right Honourable Francis, Lord Napier,
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable George, Earl of
Morton, chosen Grand Master Elect.
Nothing worthy of note marked the proceedings of this year.
1790. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Morton,
was elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th February 1791, the Right
Worshipful Brother Alexander Fergusson of Craigdarroch, Provincial
Grand Master for the Southern District of Dumfriesshire, was em-
powered to visit the Lodges thereof, and procure payment of their
arrears to the Grand Lodge. ^
It was declared by the Grand Lodge, on 1st August, that difierence
of political sentiments was to be no bar to Masonic fellowship, and that
any Daughter Lodge guilty of excluding any Brother on that account
merely, would incur such censure as the Grand Lodge might at the time
deem proper.
A new Lodge, under the title of " The Mount of Olives," was erect-
ed at St Christopher, under a patent from Scotland.
^ [A Petition was presented at this meeting, prajring for the revival of the
Lodge Bt Michael, Dumfries, which is chiefly noticeable from its bearing, inter
alia, the signature of ** John Lewars, Officer of Excise there," the father of
" Jessie Lewars," whose memory is enshrined in the Works of Robert
Burns.— E.]
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THS aiSTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 147
1791. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Morton,
waa re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable the Marquess
of Huntly chosen Grand Master Elect.
On the dOth November, the day of the Annual Election, the Foundar
tion-stone of the Edinburgh Bridewell, Calton Hill, was Uiid with the
usual ceremonies, after which the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
addressed tbe Lord Provost and Magistrates as follows :•—
** Mt Lord Provost and Magistrates,
*' I have the honour of meeting jour Lordship and the Magistrates of
Edinburgh this day, for the purpose of carrying into execution an under-
taking which there is every reason to believe will be attended with
great public benefit. While we contemplate with pleasure the flourish-
ing state of Scotland, we cannot help lamenting that, from'the imper-
fection of human aflairs in this as in every other countiy, the increase
of arts, manufactures, commerce, and population (however desirable in
itself), has been attended with a degree of corruption in the manners of
the people, to which, I am sorry to add, the too general use of spirits
among the lower classes of both sexes has in this country greatly con-
tributed. I trust, therefore, that every good citizen will most cordially
join with me in giving due praise to the zeal of those honourable
Magistrates through whose exertions the sanction of the legislature has
been obtained for the institution of this house of public discipline, which
we are now preparing to erect. May it prove, under the guidance of
Magistrates as upright and vigilant as those to whom we owe its exist-
ence, a terror to the idle and profligate, and a pledge of security to the
industrious and well-disposed inhabitants of this city and county. May
those who shall once feel the severity of its discipline leave it so amend-
ed in their behaviour, and inured to habits of industry, as never to
require a repetition of its chastisements ; and may the accomplishment
of the purposes for which it is founded be marked by the regular dimi-
nution of the number of its inmates."
The Lord Provost having made a suitable reply, the Brethren con-
cluded the ceremony with the Grand Honours.
Two crystal bottles were deposited in the stone. In one of these
were the coins of the present reign ; in the other were deposited two rolls
of vellum, containing the names of the Officers of the Grand Lodge and
the Magistrates of the city, together with an Edinburgh Almanac, and
a copy of each of the following newspapers, viz. : — ^The Caledonian
Mercury, Edinburgh Evening Gourant, Edinburgh Advertiser, and
Edinburgh Herald. The bottles being carefully sealed up, were covered
with a plate of copper wrapped in block tin ; upon the under side of the
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148 THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
plate was engraved the arms of the City ; of the Earl of Morton^ Grand
Master ; and of the Right Hon. James Stirling^ Lord Provost. Upon
the upper side was a Latin inscription^ of which the following is a
copy : —
Regnante Georgio III,
Ad neqaitiam intra Urbem et Comitatum Edinburgensem,
Salntari labori coercendam accommod9.ti
Primum hujus Ergastuli lapidem
Posnit
Vir nobilissimus Georoius Comes de Morton, Dominus Douglas
DE LOCHLEYEN, <Sz;C., &0,
Sodalitii Architectonici apnd Scotos Cnrio Maximus,
Anno post Christum natam mdccxci,
iErsa aatem ArchitectonicsB iodioccxci.
Die ipso Divi Andreie
Urbis Consnle amplissimo Jacobo Stirling,
Comitatus Vicecomite Vicario Joanni Pringlb,
Architecto Roberto Adam.
The Foundation-stone of that princely fabric, the Ro3ral Infirmary,
was laid by the noble Earl's grandfather. That institution was intended
as an asylum for the distressed, where the diseased in body might meet
a cure. It was reserved for the grandson to found a fabric intended for
the express purpose of reclaiming the vicious, and promoting the noble
ends of virtue.
A Provincial Grand Master was this year appointed for the Leeward
Islands.
The Right Worshipful the Substitute Grand Master, Brother Thomas
Hay, was appointed to consecrate the Lodge St Andrew, Jedburgh.
1792. November 30. The Right Honourable the Marquess of Huntly
was elected Grand Master.
1793. November 30. The Right Honourable the Marquess of
Huntly was re-elected Grand Master.
1794. December 1. The Right Honourable William, Earl of Ancrum,
was elected Grand Master.
No events of importance marked the proceedings of the three previous
years.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 149
1795. November 30. The Right Honoarable William, Earl of
Ancrum, was re-elected Grand Master.
The Grand Master having taken his place, thanked the Brethren for
this second mark of their attachment in calling him to the chair of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland — an honour which he would ever recol-
lect with gratitude. He regretted that from his avocations leading
him occasionally to a distance from this city, it was not in his power to
pay that attention to the Lodges which inclination, as well as a sense of
duty, would induce him to give. He would however embrace the
earliest opportunity in his power of paying his respects to them. He
then observed, that although, from the principles of the Craft, it was at
all times unbecoming of them as a body to interfere with politics, yet he
considered lo3ralty to the King and submission to the laws to be duties
incumbent on all. He hoped, therefore, that the Address which he was
about to submit to the Brethren, congratulating His Majesty on his
deliverance from the attack made upon him whilst proceeding to open
Parliament, would meet with their unanimous approbation.
The following Address having been read and approved of, it was
transmitted to the Duke of Portland, Secretary of State for the Home
Department, who presented it to His Majesty: —
" Unto The King's Most Excellent Majesty : —
" Mati Gracictu Sovereign,
" We, your Majesty's most dutiful subjects, the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land, humbly request permission to approach your Majesty with the
most sincere expressions of that attachment and loyalty for which our
ancient and respectable Order has ever been distinguished.
" Your Majesty's late deliverance from the hands of wicked and
sanguinary men, while it recals to us the recollection of your Majesty's
virtues, impresses us with gratitude to that providential care which, by
watching over your Majesty's life, has averted the most alarming cala-
mities from your people.
'' We have on this occasion witnessed the interposition of Heaven for
the safety of your royal person : That it may never cease to extend its
guardian protection to your Majesty, and to yonr Illustrious House, is
our united prayer.
*' Signed by appointment, and in our presence, when in Grand Lodge
assembled, this thirtieth day of November, one thousand seven
hundred and ninety-five.
(Signed) " Ancrum, Grand Master,''
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150 THE HISTORY OP FRBB MASONRY.
1796. November 30. The Right Honoarable Francis, Lord Donne,
was elected Grand Master.
A Fraternal correspondence was opened this year with the Orand
Lodge of Ireland.
1797. November 30. The Bight Honourable Francis, Lord Donne,
was re-elected Grand Master.
An Address to his Majesty, upon the signal victory by Admiral Lord
Duncan over the Dutch Fleet off Camperdown, was moved by the Sub-
stitute Grand Master, and unanimously agreed to. In consequence of
this motion, the following Address was drawn up, and transmitted to
the Duke of Portland for presentation : —
" Unto The King's Most Excellent Majesty : —
" The humble Address of the Grand Lodge, and Free Masons
of Scotland.
" May it please your Majesty ^
" We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Grand
Master and other Officers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, with the
Masters, Officers, and Proxies of Lodges, and Brethren in Grand Lodge
assembled, though generally unaecustonMd to approach your royal per-
son except upon events connected with the domestic felicity of your
Illustrious House, yet we trust we shall be pardoned by your Majesty
for thus expressing our congratulations on the late naval victory,
glorious almost beyond all former example. Actuated, as we are, by an
honest pride in the reflection that the signal success on this occasion
was obtained, through Divine aid, under the auspices of one to whom
our native country had the credit of giving birth, we are ready, in
common with your Majesty's other loyal subjects, to stand or (all in the
support of our liberties, our laws, and our religion ; and conclude with
breathing a hope, in the true spirit of Masonry, that peace may soon be
restored to these Realms on a solid and permanent basis, honourable to
your Majesty and to the Nation.
" Signed in name, and by appointment, and in presence of the
Brethren, within the Grand Lodge, this 30th day of November
1797, being the Anniversary of the Festival of St Andrew.
(Signed) " Doune, Grand Master.*"
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THE HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY. 151
CHAPTER IX.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND^ FROM
NOVEMBER 1798 TO NOVEMBER 1809.
1798. November 30. The Right Honourable Sir James Stirling,
Bart., Lord Provost of Edinbargh, was elected Grand Master.
An Address bj the Grand Lodge was transmitted for presentation to
his Majesty, upon the victory gained by Rear-Admiral Nelson over the
French fleet at the Nile.
The Grand Treasurer, Brother John Hay, presented to, as a mark of his
respect for, the Grand Lodge, a complete set of books, viz. — Minute-
Book, Charter, and Diploma Books, Cash Ledger, Substitute Grand
Master's Committee Book, Enrolment, and Roll Book, for which the
thanks of the Grand Lodge was unanimously accorded to him.
At a meeting of the Grand Lodge, on 5th August 1799, it was stated
from the chair that by an Act passed in the last session of Parliament^
cap. 79, entituled, " An Act for the more effectual Suppression of
Societies established for seditious and treasonable purposes," &c., it was,
inter alia, declared illegal for any body of men to require an oath, test,
or declaration from their members, not authorised by law ; but that an
express exception was contained therein in fovour of Free Masons,
under certain proyisions, videlicet : —
" Sec. 5. And whereas certain Societies have been long accustomed to
be holden in this kingdom under the denomination of Lodges of Free
Masons, the meetings whereof have been, in a great measure, directed
to charitable purposes ; be it thereof enacted, that nothing in this Act
shall extend to the meetings of any such Society or Lodge, which shall,
before the passing of this Act, have been usually holden under the said
denomination, and in conformity to the rules prevailing among the said
Societies of Free Masons.
" Sec. 6. Provided always, that this exemption shall not extend to any
such society unless two of the members composing the same shall certify
upon oath, (which oath any justice of the peace or other magistrate is
hereby empowered to administer,) that such Society or Lodge has, before
the passing of this Act, been usually held under the denomination of a
Lodge of Free Masons, and in conformity to the rules prevailing among
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152 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the Societies or Lodges of Free Masons in this kingdom ; which certifi-
cate, duly attested by the magistrate before whom the same shall be
sworn, and subscribed by the person so certifying, shall, within two
calendar months after the passing of this Act, be deposited with the
clerk of the peace for the county, stewp^rtry, riding, division, shire, or
place, where such Society or Lodge hath been usually held : Provided
also. That this exemption shall not extend to any such Society or Lodge,
unless the name or denomination thereof, and the usual place or places^
and the time or times of its meetings, and the names or descriptions of
all and every the members thereof, be registered with such clerks of
the peace, as aforesaid, within turn months after the passing of this Act ;
and also on or before the 25th day of March in every succeeding year.
" Sec. 7. And be it enacted, that the clerk of the peace, or the person
acting in his behalf, in any such county, stewartry, riding, division,
shire, or place, is hereby authorised and required to receive such cer-
tificate, and make such registry as aforesaid, and to enrol the same among
the records of such county, stewartry, riding, division, shire, or place,
and to lay the same, once in every year, before the general session of the
justices for such county, stewartry, riding, division, shire, or place ; and
that it shall and may be lawful for the said justices, or for the major
part of them, at any of their general sessions, if they shall so think fit,
upon complaint made to them upon oath, by any one or more credible
persons, that the continuance of the meetings of any such Lodge or
Society is likely to be injurious to the public peace and good order, to
direct that the meetings of any such Society or Lodge, within such
county, stewartry, riding, division, shire, or place, shall from thenceforth
be discontinued; and any such meetings held, notwithstanding such
order of discontinuance, and before the same shall, by the like authority
be revoked, shall be deemed an unlawful combination and confederaoy,
under the provisions of this Act."
Which enactments having been taken into serious consideration, the
Grand Lodge unanimously agreed that it was her province^ as the
head of the Masonic body in Scotland, from whom all regular Lodges
hold by Charter their right of meeting, to take efiectual steps for enforc-
ing the observance of the law before recited — a law which, as bearing
honourable testimony to the purity of the Order, and thus silencing the
daring breath of calumny, must be truly flattering to the Brethren at
large.
She therefore, in the first place, most strenuously recommended the
instant attention of the Daughter Lodges of Scotland to the foregoing
legislative regulations ; by which two essential requisites were necessary
for entitling the Fraternity to hold in future their usual meetings.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 153
Ist, That two of the members of each Lodge shall certify upon oath^
before a justice of the peace or other magistrate, that ** The Lodge has,
before th^ pas^mg of the said Act, been tisitally held under the denominc^
tion of a Lodge of Free Masons^ and in conformity to the rules prevailing
arnong tJie Lodges of Free Masons in this kingdom;'^ and which affidavit,
certified by the magistrate before whom it is taken, must be registered
with the sheriff-clerk of the county where the particular Lodge holds its
meetings, within two calendar months from the 12th of July last. And,
2d, That one of the presiding officers of the Lodge do record with the
sheriff-clerk, within the same space, 1 . The name by which the Lodge is
distinguished ; 2. The place and days of meeting ; and 3. The names and
descriptions (designations) of the attending members.
And the Grand Lodge, responsible for the regular conduct of the
Masons of Scotland holding of her, which, she is firmly persuaded, is
almost without exception entirely consonant to the principles of the
Craft, yet anxious to guard against every intrusion on their ancient and
respectable Order, or upon its established and accustomed forms, unani-
mously resolved —
" V, That every Lodge holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland shall,
within six months from this date, apply for a certificate from the Grand
Lodge ; which certificate shall bear an express renewal of power to hold
Masonic meetings, under her sanction and authority ; and which shall
not be granted without production of evidence to the Most Worshipful
the Grand Master, his Depute, or Substitute, that the Act of Parliament
above recited has been literally complied with. And every Lodge
which shall not, within the said space, demand and obtain such certifi-
cate, shall be expunged from the Grand Lodge Roll ; have consequently
no right thereafter, by its presiding officers, or by proxy, to sit or vote
at their meetings, and be deprived of all future protection of the Grand
Lodge.
" 2°. That the said certificate shall be subscribed by the Grand Mas-
ter, or his Depute or Substitute, and by the Grand Secretary and Grand
Clerk for the time, and have the seal of the Grand Lodge appended
thereto ; for which a fee of five shillings, and no more, at the disposal
of the Grand Lodge, shall be exacted.
" 3"*. That the said certificate shall be thereafter applied for on or
before the 25th day of April 1801, and of every succeeding year, and
evidence produced, as before mentioned, so long as the said Act is in
force j under the same certification of being so expunged from the Roll
in case of failure.
" 4°. That no such certificate shall be granted until all the arrears
due to the Grand Lodge be discharged.
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154 THB HISTORY OF PABB MASOlf&T.
*^ 5°. That tbe names of all the Lodges who have bo obtained certifi-
cates shall be annnallj transmitted to one of his Majesty's Principal
Secretaries of State, and to the Lord Advocate of Scotland.
'' 6°. That the foregoing Resolations be printed^ and copies tiaos-
mitted to all Lodges thronghout Scotland holding of the Grand Lodge,
that none may pretend ignorance thereof.
'' 7"*. That copies thereof be also transmitted to his Grace the Duke
of Athole, and the Right Hon. Henry Dnndas, by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master, who is requested to take that opportunity of expressing
the grateful sense the Masons of Scotland entertain of their exertions
in behalf of the Craft.
'^ 8°. That a committee be appointed to wut on the Lord Advocate,
with a copy of the said Resolutions, and that they be instructed to
assure his Lordship that they have a grateful feeling of his Lordship's
kindness to the Masons of Scotland, and will be ready to listen to any
other regulations that to him may appear proper to be adopted.^
9". That a copy of these Resolutions be also transmitted to the Grand
Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons in England.
'' And Lastly, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge are justly due to
the Right Honourable and Most Worshipful Sir James Stirling, Bart,
their present Grand Master, for his constant attention to the interests of
the Craft since his unanimous election to the chair, and more parti-
cularly in his correspondence with Mr Secretary Dundas, during the
dependence of the late bill in Parliament.*'
Five guineas were this year voted from the funds of the Grand Lodge
to the public kitchen j an institution begun at this time for the support of
the indigent poor in the city of Edinburgh.
1799. November 80. The Right Honourable Sir James Stirling,
Bart , was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable Charles
William, Earl of Dalkeith, chosen Grand Master Elect.
Several charters having been applied for since the passing of the Act
concerning the Suppression of Secret Societies, a doubt was entertained
by several Members of the Grand Lodge whether or not they were
entit1e<l to grant new charters during the operation of said Act, it was
therefore moved and unanimously carried, " That a Memorial and Case
be made out and laid before the Right Honourable the Lord Advocate
for Scotland, for his opinion and advice upon the subject ; and should
^ The following were appointed a committee for the above mentioned pur-
pose:—The Right Honourable and Most Worshipful the Grand Master;
Brother John Clark, Snbstitiite Grand Master; and Brother Campbell of
Fairfield.
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THB HISTORY OF FREB HASONRT. 155
his Lordship be of opinion that the Grand Lodge, under the above
Act, had not powers to grant sncb charters, that the Orand Lodge
should solicit his Lordship's assistance in an application to Parliament
(should that appear necessary,) for remedying this defect, as weU as for
vesting certain powers in the Grand Lodge which would materially
benefit their poor. In conformity with this Resolution, the following
Memorial was submitted to the Right Honourable the Lord Advocate : —
" Memorial and Case for Sir James Stirling, Baronet, Grand Master
Mason of Scotland ; the Right Honourable the Earl of Dalkeith,
Grand Master Elect ; George Ramsay, Esq. younger of Bamton,
Depute Grand Master ; John Clark, Esq. Substitute Grand Master ;
John Trotter of Mortonhall, Esq., and Alexander Charles Maitland-
Gibson, Esq. of Cliftonhall, Grand Wardens; John Hay, Esq.
younger of Hayston, Grand Treasurer, and others, Members of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland.
'* The Fraternity of Free Masons in Scotland are not less distinguished
for their loyalty and antiquity, than for the many illustrious personages
who have at different times been at the head of that respectable body.
From the earliest ages they acknowledged their Sovereign as their
Grand Master. To his royal authority they submitted all differences
that arose among the Brethren, and when not a Mason himself — but
which was seldom the case-<*his Majesty was in the use of appointing a
distinguished Brother to preside as his deputy at all Masonic meetings,
and to regulate all matters concerning the CrafL King James I, that
patron of learning and science, is accordingly found countenancing the
Lodges with his presence as the Royal Grand Master, till he settled a
yearly revenue of Four Pound Scots to be paid by every Master Mason
of Scotland to a Grand Master chosen by the Brethren, and approved of
by the Crown— one nobly bom or an eminent clergyman — who had his
deputies in cities and counties ; and every Brother at entry paid him a
fee. His office empowered him to regulate in the Fraternity what
should not come under the cognisance of Law Courts ; to him appealed
both Mason and Lord, or the Builder and Founder, when at variance, in
order to prevent law pleas ; and in his absence, they appealed to his
Deputy or Grand Wardens that resided next to the premises.
" William St Clair, Earl of Orkney and Caithness, Baron of RoBslin,&o.,
obtained a grant of this office from King James II. Under his kindly
auspices Ma^niy now began in Scotland to spread its particular influ-
ence through all parts of the kingdom. By another deed of the same
Prince, this office was made EeredUary in the said Earl, and his heirs
and successors in the Barony of Rossliu, (which grant was sanctioned and
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156 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
confirmed by subsequent acts of the Masons themselyes,) in which
ancient family it continued till near the middle of this century.
'* The Barons of Rosslin granted charters of Constitution and Erection,
countenanced the Lodges, determined all matters of difference among the
Brethren, and supported with becoming dignity the character of Master
Mason over all Scotland. They held their head Courts, or in other
words assembled Grand Lodges, at Kilwinning, in the county of Ayr,
where it is presumed Masons first began to hold regular and stated
meetings.
" Such continued to be the state of Masonry while the family of Rosslin
were in flourishing and prosperous circumstances. But the late William
St Clair of Rosslin, the representative of this noble family, a Mason, and
a gentleman of the greatest candour and benevolence, was under the*
necessity of disposing of his family estates, and having no children of
his own body, was unwilling that the ofiSce of Hereditary Grand Master,
vested in his person, should become vacant at his death, and thereby
revert to the Crown.
*' In this situation, therefore, this gentleman, undoubted Hereditaria
Grand Master of Scotland, assembled the Brethren of the Lodges in and
about Edinburgh, and represented to them how beneficial it would be to
the cause of Masonry in general, to have a nobleman or gentleman as
Grand Master, of their own election, to patronize and protect the Craft ;
and in order to promote so laudable a design, he proposed to resign into
the hands of the Brethren, or whomsoever they should be pleased to elect,
all right, chum, or title whatever, which he or his successors had to pre-
side as Grand Master over the Masons in Scotland.
" A set of regulations were accordingly drawn up for the future conduct
of the Grand Lodge, which was submitted to a general convention of all
the Lodges of Scotland, called together for the purpose of receiving the
above Resignation, and electing a Grand Master. At this meeling,
therefore, which was held on the dOth November 1736, the said William
St Clair gave in a Resignation, formally and regularly executed, of the
office of Hereditary Grand Master, in favour of the Brethren present^ or
whomsoever they might be pleased to elect to that high office.
" It may beliere proper to mention that the Hereditary Grand Master
had the exclusive power of presiding over all regular Lodges in Scot-
land, settling all disputes amongst them, and even individual members
of Lodges aggrieved had a right to complain to the Grand Master, and
the grievances of such Lodges and Brethren were by the Grand Master
and the Grand Lodge decided and determined. The Grand Master had
likewise the power of convoking the several Lodges, and also of granting
Charters of Constitution and Erection in favour of Brethren wishing to
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MABONRY. 157
hold regular Lodges, upon payment of certain fees, and conforming to
certain regulations thereby prescribed.
<^In consequence, therefore, of the abore Resignation, the whole powers
and privileges vested in the Hereditary Grand Master by King James
II, and confirmed, as abovementioned, by the Masons themselves, and
uniformly exercised by him and his predecessors, were transferred to the
Brethren then present, consisting of the Masters and Wardens of all the
regular Lodges in Scotland, being the representatives of said Lodges; and
which meeting was then declared to be the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
and therefore proceeded to the election of Grand Master and other
Office-bearers to represent them.
" It is necessary also to mention that the Grand Lodge, so constituted,
have been in the uniform practice, since 1736, of granting Charters of
Confirmation to Lodges erected before that period, as appears from a
continued series of Minutes engrossed in the Sederunt Books of the
Grand Lodge, and also from the Charter Books thereof. They have
also been in the uninterrupted practice of granting new Charters of Conr
stitution and Erection to Lodges, upon regular application and payment of
certain fees, which are appropriated to the use of the poor, the only pur-
pose to which the funds of the Grand Lodge are applied ; and from which
dues a very considerable part of the revenue of the Grand Lodge arises.
" The Right Honourable Counsel will recollect that in the course of the
present Session of Parliament the wisdom of the Legislature deemed it
prudent to pass an Act, cap. 79, intituled ' An Act for the more effectual
Suppression of Societies established for seditious and treasonable purposes,
and for better preventing treasonable and seditious practices.'
'^ As set forth in the preamble of this Act, it is obvious the meaning
and intention of passing the same was chiefly with the view of suppress-
ing certain societies therein particularly named, and which, by said Act,
are accordingly suppressed ; and the Honourable Counsel is referred to
the Act itself, which accompanies this Memorial, particularly to the 1st,
2d, 3d, and 4th sections, which, it is hoped, his Lordship will take the
trouble to peruse.
" From the active interference of some liberal and enlightened friends
of Masonry, members of the Legislature, particularly his Glace the Duke
of A thole and the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, and from a convic-
tion, through the representation of these Right Honourable Brethren, of
the Masonic Societies of this country being not only strictly constitu-
tional, but highly laudable institutions, as being principally directed to
charitable purposes. Parliament was induced to grant an exemption in
their &vour in the following terms." [Here follows the quotation of
sections 5, 6, and 7, as printed at pp. 151-152, supra*"]
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158 THB HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY.
'* After the passing of the above Act of Parliament the Grand Lodge
met on 5th August 1799, being their stated Quarterly CommunicatioD,
and took the said Act of Parliament into consideration^ when they
unanimously agreed that it was their proyiuce, as Head of the Masonic
Body in Scotland^^/rom tohom all regular Lodges hold their right of meet-
ing hy Charter, to take effectual steps for enforcing the observance of the
Statute. The Grand Lodge accordingly adopted a set of Resolutions for
that purpose, a printed copy of which is herewith submitted to the
Honourable Counsel, and which the Memorialists trust wiU meet with
his Lordship's approbation.^ These Regulations have accordingly been
circulated amongst the country Lodges, and the good effects resulting
therefrom, in bringing the enactments of the Statute more immediately
under the observation of their very worthy but less informed Brethren,
have already been sensibly felt.
''At a subsequent meeting of the Grand Lodge, held on 25 th November,
a petition from the Right Honourable the Earl of Aboyne and otheni.
Officers of the 6th or Aberdeenshire Regiment of North British Militia,
lying at Dundee, was read to the meeting, praying the Grand Lodge to
grant them a Charter of Constitution and Erection, under the title,
name, and designation, of the Aboyne 6th North British Militia Lodge.
After reading the above petition, it was stated that under the 5th Section
of the Act of Parliament, there seemed to be considerable doubts how far
the Grand Lodge could now grant Charters of Constitution and Erection.
The words of which Section being, 'That nothing in this Act shall extend
to meetings of any such Society or Lodge which shall, before the passing
of this Act, have been usually holden under the denomination and in
conformity to the rules prevailing among the said Societies of Free
Masons,' which seems to infer that no Society or Lodge that did not
subsist before the passing of said Act could now be tolerated or
authorized.
" The Grand Lodge of Scotland therefore, desirous of walking upon sure
ground, and wishing to do nothing but what is ^strictly legal and con-
stitutional, directed a case to be made out by a Committee of their
number, and laid before the Right Honourable the Lord Advocate of
Scotland for his opinion upon the above clause in the Act of Ptoliament,
and in the meantime delayed giving any deliverance upon the petition
from the Earl of Aboyne and others till his Lordship's opinion was
obtained.
" Having said so much, the Memorialists, after a few observations, will
leave their case with the Honourable Counsel, confiding in that well-
^ [ Vide said Resolutions on pp. 153- 154, npra, — E.]
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THE HISrrORT OF FRBB MASONRY. 15$)
known candour and liberality which regalaie all his actions as well as
his opinions^ for such a fayonrable interpretation of the Statute as
may be consistent with his liberal interpretation of the law and of his
official duties.
'' The privilege of granting Charters of Erection and Constitution is not
only coeval with the institution of the Grand Lodge itself, but^ as
appears from its records, has been enjoyed without interruption from
that period downwards. But while, on the one hand, it is even necessary
for the existence of the Grand Lodge, it has, on the other, been the prin-
cipal source of that order, regularity, and subordination that has hitherto
so conspicuously prevailed at all Masonic meetings in Scotland, as well
as of the fund from which the poor are supported. With submission
therefore, it never could be the intention of the Le^slature to deprive
the Grand Lodge of Scotland of that privilege, without which all Masonic
meetings in this country must soon come to an end.
<^ Under the Sd Section of the Act of Parliament in question, it is,
with submission, competent for the members of any Society whatever to
meet, and even to constitute themselves, provided the declaration ' of
such Society shall have been first approved of, and subscribed by two
ot more justices of the peace,' &o. The condition under which the
exemption in fjEkVour of Lodges of Free Masons is granted are at least
equally strict with those of the Section alluded to, independent alto-
gether of the clause under consideration, particularly Section 7, where
it is enacted ' That it shall and may be lawful for the said justices,
or the major part of them, at any of their General Sessions, if they
shall so think fit, upon complaint made to them upon oath, by any one
or more credible persons, that the continuance of the meetings of any
such Lodge or Society is likely to be injurious to the public peace and
good order, to direct that the meetings of any such Society or Lodge
within such county, &c., shall from thenceforth be discontinued ; and any
such meeting held notwithstanding such order of discontinuance, and
before the same shall, by the like authority, be revoked, shall be deemed
an unlawful combination, under the provisions of this Act.*
" There is hardly a justice of the peace in the country who is not him-
self a Mason, and of course must be fully satisfied of the constitutional
purity of the only engagements or declarations come under by every
Mason whatever. In place of an exemption in their favour therefore,
if the clause in the Act of Parliament under consideration is to be
strictly interpreted. Masonic Societies will, it is apprehended, be in
a worse situation than any other Society in the country.
" It may likewise be observed that it never surely could have been the
intention of the Legislature to deprive the Masonic body of the privileges
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160 THE HISTORY OF FREE MABONRT.
and benefits of that Society ; and, upon mature consideration, the con-
stitution of a new Lodge, under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, will be
found to differ onlj in form from the admission of an equal number of
Brethren into a Lodge already existing. The applicanU for eveiy new
Clutrter must of Tiecessity he Master Masons, and of course entitled to
admit Brethren fnto their original Lodge. All that is granted to them
therefore, by a Charter from the Grand Lodge, is a new name, and place
of meeting, more convenient for their local situation, while the Grand
Lodge is, and must be responsible for the regularity and good conduct
of that and every other Lodge enjoying the privilege of meeting as a
Masonic body under her Charters.
" In this view, it is with great deference submitted how far it may be
thought consistent with the spirit and meaning of the Act of Parliament
to suppose that the Legislature had the Grand Lodges of England and
Scotland only in view in granting an exemption from the enactments of
the Statute in favour of ' any such Society or Lodge which shall, before
the passing of this Act, have been usually holden under the said denomi-
nation, and in conformity to the rules prevailing among the said Societies
of Free Masons,' considering the whole of the other Lodges, both in
England and Scotland, in no other light than that of so many extend-
ed branches, which in fact they are, of these Grand Lodges respectively,
and which of course fall to be held responsible for the regular and
constitutional conduct of all their Members in their character of Free
Masons.
'' Such an interpretation of the Statute, with submission, while the
spirit and meaning thereof would be effectually preserved, so as to ex-
clude all seditious and treasonable discourses from being canvassed in
any Lodge or Society of Free Masons, would, at the same time, not only
remove the present difficulty, but, by connecting the country Lodges
more intimately with the Grand Lodge, tend at once to the preservation
of the true spirit of Masonry, and that regularity and good conduct in
all their meetings which the Legislature only could have had in view in
enacting the present Statute.
'' The Memorialists will only further remark, that should the Honour-
able Counsel feel himself under legal difficulty in interpreting the law
in the manner suggested, they earnestly intreat his Lordship's kind
assistance, in his high official and legislative capacities, in obtaining
such alterations of the law as might ascertain the powers of the
Grand Lodge, as well as give them a persona standi in Jtulicio, (a
right which is at present at least doubtful,) by which their funds,
and therefore their powers of affording relief to the indigent, would be
greatly increased."
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 161
Copy of the Lord Advocate's Opinion on the ahove Case.
" The words adopted both in the 5th and 6th sections of the Act are
so explicit that it does not appear to me possible to maintain^ under any
interpretation, that a Lodge of Free Masons, instituted since the }2th of
July last^ can be entitled to the benefit of the Statute. I do not know
why the Act was so anxiously limited, but the legal construction of it is
unquestionably what I have stated. It is impossible to adopt the inter-
pretation suggested in the Memorial for this reason, that if the Grand
Lodges of England and Scotland respectively were the only Societies to
which the legislature alluded, and to whom the regulations thereof apply,
it would follow that all subordinate Lodges were at liberty to disregard
these rules altogether, a proposition impossible to be maintained after
perusal of the 6 th and 7th sections of the Act, which distinctly impose
upon every Society or Lodge all over the kingdom the necessity
of registering the certificate within the county or division within
which its meetings have been usually held, and renewing the same on
or before the 25th of March every year. I am very clearly of opinion
therefore, that no new Lodge can be entitled to the benefit of the Sta-
tut-e; and that^ if it is material for the Memorialists to obtain powers to
institute such new Lodges, to the efiect of entitling them to the protec-
tion of the Act) it can only be done by an application to Parliament.
** The Opinion of
(Signed) «R."DUNDAS.^
^' George Square, Edinburoh, 2di^ January 1800. "
After hearing the foregoing Opinion, it was moved and carried, " that
full and ample powers should be given to the same Committee to take
such steps as they think proper for application to Parliament for obtain-
ing the great objects in view, as stated in the Memorial." In conformity
with this motion, the Committee held numerous meetings, made various
suggestions to, and had several interviews with influential parties, but
with no effect, up to 1806, when the Grand Lodge agreed, upon the
recommendation of the Earl of Moira, then Acting Grand Master Electa
to adopt the practice of the Grand Lodge of England, viz : — ^to assign to
new Lodges the numbers and charters of Lodges that had become dor-
mant or had ceased to hold regular meetings. '* The Grand Lodge of
Scotland therefore, with such an example before them, are satisfied that
the same practice may be followed here, and that their doing so would
be no infringement of the Act of Parliament, in so far as they were not
creating new Lodges but only reviving Lodges that had been held as
such before the passing of said Act. The Grand Lodge of Scotland
therefore resolve to assign or transfer charters of dormant Lodges to
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162 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
such applicants as may be regularly certified by two neighbouring
Lodges. But in order that no undue preference should be obtained, in
point of seniority, they resolve that the date of such transfers shall be
regulated according to the date of the application to the Grand Lodge."
On 26th May, the Grand Lodge " Considering that they sanction the
Three Great Orders of Masonry,'' and these alone, of Apprentice,
Fellow-Crapt, and Master Mason, being the ancient Order of Saint
John, and understanding that other descriptions of Masons, under
various titles, have crept into this Country, borrowed from other
Nations, which are inconsistent with the purity and true principles of
the Order, Resolved^ and hereby Resolve, that none may pretend ignor-
ance, expressly to prohibit and discharge all Lodges having Charters
from the Grand Lodge, from holding any other meetings than those of
the Three Orders above described ; under this certification, that the
Grand Lodge will most positively proceed, on information of an infringe-
ment of this express prohibition, to censure, or to the forfeiture of the
Charters of the ofiending Lodges, according to the circumstances of any
particular case that may be brought before them." The Grand Lodge
also ** appoints this Resolution to be printed, and a copy thereof sent to
every Lodge in Scotland under their jurisdiction.'*
In consequence of His Majesty's escape from another attempt upon
his life, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, ever attentive to their duties as
loyal subjects, prepared the following Address, which was transmitted
to the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, one of His Majesty^s Principal
Secretaries of State, for presentation to His Majesty : —
" May it please your Majesty,
*^ We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Most Wor-
shipful the Grand Master and other Ofiicers of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, with the Masters and Proxies of Lodges, and their Wardens, in
Grand Lodge assembled, approach your Majesty's throne with reflec-
tions of horror, in common with all your other afifectionate subjects, on
the possible event of a recent attempt upon the sacred person of your
Majesty, of which, but for the proof of that atrocity, we should, for the
honour of humanity, have doubted the reality.
** The miserable person who made this wicked attack on a life so
justly precious to the whole community, must, according to our feelings,
have either been visited by the Supreme Being with the greatest afiGlic-
tion to which our nature is liable, or be of a description of men (if such
are entitled to the appellation,) of which we are fully convinced there
exists not another solitary individual throughout the extended domi-
nions of your Majesty.
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THB HISTORY OF PREE MASONRY. 163
'* The magnanimity displayed by your Majesty on so trying an
occasion will ever, on recollection, fill the eyes of your faithful subjects
with tears of gratitude, as establishing your entire confidence on your
affectionate people, aud as having had an effect pleasing, we are well
aware, to your Majesty, of preventing many and serious mischiefs,
among the great concourse of your subjects then assembled^ whose fears
were alive for the safety of their beloved Sovereign.
" We take this opportunity of assuring your Majesty of the purity
and simplicity of our ancient Order, and of our sincere attachment to the
glorious constitution of our country, founded on a basis which, from its
stability, cannot be shaken by foes, foreign or domestic ; and conclude
with our most anxious wishes for the long continuance and prosperity
of your Majesty's reign, and for the permanent, unimpaired, and undis-
turbed felicity of your Majesty, and of every branch of your Illustrious
Honse.
'' Signed in name of, by appointment, and in presence of the
Grand Lodge of Free Masons of Scotland, this 9th day of
June 1800.
(Signed) " Jambs Stirling, G, M, Mason of Scotland.**
On 1 0th November there was presented to the Grand Lodge by John
M' Go wan, Esq., a book containing the Minutes of a Lodge of Free
MasoDs held at Rome in 1735, under the auspices of the Earl of Winton.
The thanks of the Grand Lodge were cordially, voted to the munificent
donor of so valuable and curious a record/
1800. December 1. The Right Honourable Charles William, Earl
of Dalkeith, was elected Grand Master.
A Charter was granted on 9th February 1801 to the officers of the
51st Regiment, stationed at Colombo, in the Island of Ceylon, to hold a
Lodge under the denomination of the " Orange Lodge.'*
The interests of Masonry having rendered a new arrangement of
Provinces absolutely necessary, the recommendation of the Committee
which had been appointed to make the requisite allocation, was this
year carried into effect. A series of Regulations for the government
of Provincial Grand Masters, were at the sametime sanctioned by the
Grand Lodge.'
^ [This is the Lodge over which Prince Charles Edward presided aa Right
Worshipful Master. The above mentioned highly interesting volume is now in
the Library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. — E.J
' [These Regulations form No. IV of the Appendix to this Work.— £.]
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164 THE HISTORY OF FREB MAiSONRY.
The Grand Lodge received a message from the Magistrates of Edin-
burgh, informing them that the Foundationnstone of the Wet-Docks at
Leith was to be laid on the 14th of May, and requesting their assistance
on the occasion, — which request was acceded to unanimously ; and on
the appointed day the Right Worshipful Robert Dundas, Depute Grand
Master, attended by the Grand Officers and about 1,200 of the Brethren,
laid the said Foundation-stone with the usual solemnities.
In the stone was deposited a jar containing several medals and the
coins of the present reign. Above the jar were depositod two platesj,
on one of which was the following inscription : —
In the Reign of the most gracious Sovereign George III,
And
Under the auspices of the Right Honourable William Fettes,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh,
The Harbour of Leith, though formed at a remote period.
And,
As Commerce in the course of ages increased.
Often repaired and extended ;
Yet being still narrow and incommodious,
Robert Dundas of Melville, Esquire,
In absence of
The Right Honourable William Charles, Earl of Dalkeith,
Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
Laid the Foundationnstone of these Docks,
In which
The numerous vessels arriving from every quarter of the Globe
Might receive ample and secure accommodation ;
On the 1 4th day of May,
In the year of our Lord mdgcci.
And of the ^ra of Masonry vmdcoci,
John Rennie being Engineer.
May the undertaking prosper by the blessing of Almighty God 1
The other plate bore the names of the Town-Council of Edinburgh ;
the Right Honourable Henry Dundas, member for the City ; the Magis-
trates of Leith; the Wet-Dock Committee; the Contractors for the
Works ; the Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland ; and the
Masters and Wardens of the Trinity-House, Leith.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the Depute Grand Master thus
addressed the Lord Provost and Magistrates : —
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MAfiONRY. 165
" My Lord Provost and Magistrates,
" It is with the highest satisfaction that I hare availed myself of the
oppBrtanitj which the situation I have the honour to hold in the Grand
Lodge of Scotland has afforded me, of assisting at the commencement of
a work so essential to the welfare of this commnnity, and which I trust
will contribnte, in an eminent degree, to the extension of the commerce
and the general prosperity of this portion of the United Kingdom.
'' The respect and esteem which you enjoy among those over whom
you have the honour to preside, are the surest pledges that nothing will
be wanting on your part to second the efforts and fulfil the wishes of
those public-spirited individuals who have promoted this undertaking,
and that the just expectations of the Legislature, to whose liberality you
are also indebted, will not be disappointed.
" It is impossible to contemplate the auspicious period at which this
work is begun, without the strongest sensations of gratitude to that
Providence which has inspired his Majesty's councils with temperate
firmness, and his fieets with irresistible valour, to assert and maintain
the just rights of his subjects on that element which has ever been the
scene of their triumphs and the source of their envied prosperity and
power. May the same bountiful Providence, in the blessings of an hon-
ourable and lasting peace, secure to the merchants of this and of every
other port in the British Dominions, the free and uninterrupted enjoy-
ment of their trade, and the well-earned fruits of industry and enter-
prising activity.
" In the name of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons I have to
offer our humble supplications to the Supreme Architect of the Universe
that He will afford His protection to your Lordship and your brethren
in the Magistracy, and that you may continue to be the instruments,
through Him, of promoting the happiness and welfare of the community
entrusted to your charge."
To which the Lord Provost made the following reply : —
" Most Worshipful Sir,
** Leith has long had reason to be proud of the enterprise and success
of its merchants and sailors. The rapid increase of its commerce has
made it necessary to extend the harbour and improve the conveniences
for its trade. The pl^n of that able engineer, Mr Rennie, has been
adopted ; and I think it one of the happiest events of my life that I
have the honour to fill the civic chair at the laying of the Foundation-
stone of this extensive undertaking, which, when finished, will not only
be of great benefit to the city and its port, but to the Country in general,
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106 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
88 well as oonvenient for the admissioD of large ships of his Majesty's
navy.
" I assure you^ Sir, that it is highly gratifying to me, and to my^fel-
low-citizens, that the first stone of this important work has been laid by
you. Allow me to remark, that there appears a fortunate propriety in
this ceremony being performed by the son of a man to whom our city,
the navy of Britain, and the whole Empire, are under so many obliga-
tions.
" Permit me, in the name of the Magistrates and Council of the city
of Edinburgh, to return our wannest thanks to you, to your Brethren,
and the gentlemen who have honoured us with their attendance upon
this occasion. And may that Almighty Being, whom winds and seas
obey, accompany this undertaking with His blessing, and crown the
work with success.*'
The ceremony was concluded by the Grand Honours from the
Brethren, which was followed by a salute of twenty-one guns from
the ships-of war in the Roads, under the command of Captain Clements
of the Royal Navy.
The Procession then returned to the Assembly Rooms, where the
Substitute Grand Master addressed the operative Brethren to the follow-
ing effect : — " The Foundation-stone of the Wet-Docks at Leith, planned
with much wisdom by the ingenious architect, being now laid, and these
implements in your hands having been applied to it by the Grand
Master, and approved of, they are re-committed to you, with full con-
fidence that, as skilful and faithful workmen, you will use them in such
a manner that the building may rise in order, harmony, and beauty j
and, being perfected in strength, will answer every purpose for which it
is intended, to your credit as craftsmen, and to the honour of our
Ancient Fraternity." After this the Depute Grand Master closed the
Lodge in duo form.
Brother Alexander Cunningham was this year appointed Grand
Jeweller to the Grand Lodge.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d November, a letter was read
from Brother Laurie, enclosing a ProspectDs of a work he intended to
publish, entitled "A History of Free Masonry," ^ and craving the sanction
of the Grand Lodge thereto, which was unanimously accorded, and the
Grand Secretary and Grand Clerk " authorised to furnish Brother
Laurie with the Records and other writings belonging to the Grand
Lodge, and with any material in their power, which may in any degree
tend to the advancement of his undertaking."
^ [This was the First Edition of the present work, published in 1804.— E.]
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THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 167
1801. November 30. The Right Honouiable Charles William, Earl
of Dalkeith, was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable
Geo^e, Earl of Aboyne, chosen Grand Master Elect.
The draft of the First Edition of the '* Laws and Regulations of the
Grand Lodge of Sootkind" was this year read and unanimously
approved of.
1802. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Aboyne,
was elected Grand Master. ^
The day of the Grand Election was distinguished by a splendid pro-
cession of above 1,200 Brethren from the Parliament-House to the
King's Arms Tavern.
Tho Foundation-stone of the Church at Lesmahagow was this year
laid by Brother Daniel Vere, of Stonebyres, Right Worshipful Master
of Lodge St John, Lesmahagow, and the thanks of the Grand Lodge
voted him for the manner in which it had been accomplished, as well as
for his uniform attention to the interests of the Craft in general. On
14th September, Brother Charles Stewart, Right Worshipful Master of
Musselburgh Kilwinning, was authorised to perform the ceremony of
laying the Foundation-stone of Inveresk Church, and the use of the
Grand Jewels granted him for the occasion.
At an adjourned Quarterly Communication, held on 16th November,
a Provincial Grand Master was appointed for the Island of Bermuda.
1803. November 30. The Right Honourable George, Earl of Aboyne,
was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable George, Earl
of Dalhousie, chosen Grand Master Elect.
After the election the Brethren walked in procession from the High
Church Aisle to the Tron Church, where an appropriate sermon was
preached to them by the Reverend David Ritchie, one of the ministers of
Edinburgh, from Hebrews xiii, verse I, " Let brotherly love continue."
The Brethren having re-assembled at the King's Arms Tavern in the
evening to celebrate the festival of St Andrew, were honoured with the
company of his Excellency the Earl of Moira, Commander-in-Chief of
his Majesty's Forces in Scotland, and Acting Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of England.
In the General History, supra, p. 60, an outline was given of the schism
which took place in the Grand Lodge of England by the secession of a
number of Brethren, who, calling themselves Ancient Masons, invidiously
bestowed upon their opponents the odious appellation of Modems. It
was also stated thai in 1772 the Ancient Masons chose for their Grand
Master his Grace the Duke of Athole, who was then Grand Master
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168 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Elect for Scotland. From this circumstance, more than from any pre-
dilection on the part of the Grand Lodge of Scotland for the Ancient
Masons, the most friendly intercourse had subsisted between the two
Grand Lodges, and the Scotch Brethren, from their union with the An-
cient^ insensibly imbibed their prejudices against the Grand Lodge of
England presided over by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and
Lord Moira. From these causes the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the
Grand Lodge under the constitution of England, though the Brethren of
both were admitted into each other's Lodges, had not hitherto cherished
that mutual and friendly intercourse which, by their principles, they were
bound to institute and preserve. Such was the relative condition of the two
Grand Lodges on the day of the present Grand Election. In the course
of the evening, however, an opportunity being offered for the discussion
of this subject, the Earl of Moira, in an eloquent and impressive address,
related at considerable length the conduct of the Grand Lodge of Eng-
land to the Ancient Masons, and stated that the hearts and arms of the
Grand Lodge to which he was attached, had ever been open for the
reception of their seceding Brethren, who had obstinately refused to
acknowledge their fault ; and that» though the Grand Lodge of England
differed in a few trifling observances from that of Scotland, they had
ever entertained for Scotti^ Masons that affection and regard which it
is the object of Free Masonry to cherish, and the duty of Free Masons
to feel.
From this period we date the origin of that fraternal union between
the Grand Lodge of Scotland and that of England, by which Free
Masonry has received additional strength and vigour, and has be^i pre-
served in these kingdoms in all its primitive purity and simplicity. And,
while its influence is diffused from the British Empire to every comer
of the world, we hope that it will continue to be, as it has ever been, the
bane of despotism and oppression — ^the enemy of superstition and fanati-
cism— the promoter of civilization and good order — ^the friend of unoor-
rnpted science, of true, benevolence, and unaffected piety.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th February 1804, the thanks
of the Grand Lodge were unanimously voted to Brother Alexander
Laurie for the publication of his " History of Free Masonry," and for the
handsome donation of a copy thereof, bound in morocco.
On the 28th of March the Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge
Phoenician, Leith, was authorised to lay the Foundation-stone of the
High School there, with the usual ceremonies.
1804. November 30. The Right Honourable G«orge, Earl of Dal-
housie, was elected Grand Master.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 169
After the election, which took place as usual in the High Churofa
Aisle, the Grand Lodge and Brethren, amounting to upwards of 1,500,
walked in procession by torch-light from the Parliament-House to the
Theatre-Royal, to celebrate the Festival of St Andrew. The Theatre
was handsomely fitted up for the occasion.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master stated to the Brethren that
the Grand Lodge of Scotland had long been anxious to open a fraternal
intercourse with the Grand Lodge of England, held under the auspices
of the Prince of Wales, and that Resolutions to that effect had been
passed at a previous meeting, a copy of which, under the authority of
the Grand Lodge, he begged leave now to present to the Right Honour-
able the Earl of Moira, Acting Grand Master of England, in the hope
that his Lordship would use his best endeavours to fiicilitate an object
which was of such great importance to, and so ardently desired by the
Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The Earl of Moira, in an eloquent speech, declared that no exertion
should be wanting on his part to promote the desired friendly intercourse
betweeu the two Grand Lodges.
Numerous Masonic, loyal, and patriotic toasts were given upon this
occasion, and the Lodge was closed, alter an evening spent with the
greatest harmony.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th August 1805, a letter was
received from his Excellency the Earl of Moira^ stating that the Grand
Lodge of England had, in the most cordial manner, entertained the pro-
posal of Fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which
was embodied in the following Resolution : —
*' Society of Free and Accepted Masons under the Constitution
'' of England,
" H. R. H. George Augustus Frederick, Prince op Wales, Ac, &c.,
" Grand Master.
**Ata Grand Lodge of the said Society, held at Free Mawni
Hall, London, on Wednesday the lOthofApHl 1805 ; —
" Sherborn Stewart, Esq., S. G. W., as G. M., in the Chair.
" Resolved unanimously,
" That, as the Grand Lodge of Scotland has expressed through the
Right Honourable the Earl of Moira its earnest wish to be on terms of
confidential communication with the Grand Lodge of England under the
authority of the Prince of Wales, this Grand Lodge, therefore, ever
desirous to concur in a fraternal intercourse with regular Masons, doth
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170 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
meet that disposition with the utmost cordiaiitj of sentiment; and
requests the honour of the Acting Grand Master to make such declara-
tion in its name to the Grand Lodge of Scotland."
(Signed) « Wm. White, G, Sr
A Committee was appointed to thank the Earl of Moira for his atten-
tion in bringing about this desirable union, and request him to inform
the Grand Lodge of England, in name of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
that it will ever be their study to promote and cherish that friendship
and brotherly intercourse now so happily begun.
Brother John Clark, who had for a long period filled the office of
Substitute Grand Master with great benefit to the Grand Lodge, resign-
ed on 4th November 1 805, on account of indisposition ; and the Grand
Lodge, whilst deeply regretting the cause of his resignation and the loss of
his services, passed him a vote of thanks for the great attention he had
given to the afiairs of the Craft in general, and to those of the Grand
Lodge in particular.
A very elegant jewel was presented to the Grand Lodge by Sir John
Stewart, Bart., of Allanbank, Provincial Grand Master of the Lower
Ward of Lanarkshire, to be worn by the Grand Master on all public
Masonic occasions. It consists of a beautiful enamel painting of St
Andrew on the Cross, upon a blue ground, surrounded in an eliptical
form with a radiated or many pointed star in brilliants, to which is
appended the compass, square, and segment, in silver gilt.
The special thanks of the Grand Lodge were voted to Sir John for
this handsome gift.
1805. December 2. His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales,
was elected Grand Master and Patron of the Craft in Scotland, the
Right Honourable George, Earl of Dalhousie, Acting Grand Master, and
his Excellency Francis, Earl of Moira, Commander-in-Chief for Scotland,
Acting Grand Master Elect.
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d February 1 806, a motion was
made by Brother Sir John Stewart, Bart., regarding the erection of a
Masonic Hall, and that a subscription should be commenced for the pur-
pose ; which motion was unanimously agreed to, and a committee
appointed to carry forward the undertaking.
Amongst the subscribers we find the Grand Lodge for L.500; St
Luke, Edinburgh, for 100 guineas, which subscription entitled this
Lodge to accommodation in the Hall for holding its monthly meetings ;
the late Marquis of Hastings, 1 00 guineas ; the Earl of Dalhousie, 1 00
guineas, <&c., &c. The especial thanks of the Grand Lodge were voted
to Brother Sir John Stewart for his laudable efforts regarding this matter.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MA8019RY. 171
At the Quarterly GommuDication on 5th May 1 806, a Charter was
granted to several Brethren to constitute a Lodge in Turk's Island, under
the immediate sanction of the Provincial Grand Master of Bermuda.
On the 1st August 1806, 6ir John Stewart, Bart., having been dele-
gated, as Provincial Grand Master for Lanarkshire, by the Most Wor-
shipful the Grand Master, to lay the Foundation-stone of the Menu*
ment to be erected at Glasgow in memory of Lord Viscount Nelson, he
attended by his Office-bearers, a large assemblage of the Brethren,
and the Civic Authorities, <kc., assembled in the High Church of Glas-
gow, to hear Divine Service, which was conducted by the Rev. Dr
Ritchie, the Grand Chaplain, after which a procession was formed in
the following order : —
A Troop of Glasgow Light Horse.
The Lord Provost^ Magistrates, and Council, with their insignia
of office.
Gentlemen of the Committee of Management, and Subscribers.
The Dean of Guild and Members of the Merchants* House.
The Conveners of Trades and Members of the Trades' House.
The Commissioners of Police with their batons.
The Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons.
The Faculty of Procurators.
Two Naval Officers, and a body of sailors who had served under Lord
Nelson, carrying a model of a ship of war.
The various Masonic Lodges, thirty in number, according to seniority.
The R. W. Sir John Stewart, Acting Grand Master,
preceded by the Grand Officers.
The Procession having reached the Green, the Grand Lodge took its
station on the east of the site of the monument, the other Lodges and
Civic Authorities arranging themselves in their proper places. An
impressive prayer was then offered up by the Grand Chaplain, after
which the Grand Master proceeded to address the assembly in the
following terms : —
" Before proceeding to the interesting ceremony for which we are now
assembled, permit me, in the name of the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master, to express his regret at being unable to be present on this
occasion. As his representative, I beg leave to acknowledge the high
honour conferred upon me in being called to lay the Foundation-stone
of a Monument to the memory of so illustrious a Hero ; and I regret
my inability to do justice to the merits of the departed warrior, and
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172 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the patriotism of the inbabitantfi of this city the less, when I recollect
the well-merited ealogiam on both which you have already heard.
" That pre-eminent height to which his genius had raised the already
elevated nayal fame of Britain, — that terror of his name, by which he
so opportunely protected the commercial interests of his country, justly
entitles Lord Nelson to monuments of pnblic gratitude, local as well as
national.
" When I contemplate this large and respectable assemblage, com-
posed of Magistrates, Public Bodies, and Masonic Associations, and the
People at large, contributing, by official rank and influence, by wealth,
and by demonstrations of brotherly lore, to confer honour on the memory
of the hero who died in conquering for his country, methinks his spirit,
hovering near, rejoices in your appropriate obedience to his last signal,
— ' Every man of you has done his duty ! ' "
The Proyincial Grand Master, assisted by the Brethren of Lodge
Glasgow St John, then laid the Foundation-stone with the usual and
accustomed solemnities ;— -on which was the following inscription : —
By the favour of Almighty God,
Sir John Stewart, of AUanbank, Baronet,
Provincial Grand Master of the Under Ward of Lanarkshire,
Laid the Foundation-stone of this Monument,
Erected by the Inhabitants of Glasgow
In grateful remembrance of the eminent services of
The Right Honourable
HORATIO, LORD VISCOUNT NELSON,
Duke of Bronte in Sicily,
Vice-Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty's Fleet,
&c., &c,, &c.
Who, after a series of transoendant and heroic achievements, fell
gloriously in the Battle oflT Cape Trafalgar,
on the 21st October mdcccv.
This stone was laid on the 1st of August, in the year of our Lord mdcccvi,
iEra of Masonry vmdcccvi.
And Forty-sixth year of our Most Gracious Sovereign George III,
In presence of John Hamilton, Esq., Lord Provost
of the City of Glasgow,
And the Members of the Committee of Subscribers to the Monument
Which undertaking may the Supreme God prosper.
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THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 173
A singnlsr trait of affection was manifested by the sailors who attend-
ed the Procession, — they rushed in u body to the Foundation-stone, and
kneeling around^ kissed it with every mark of fervent devotion and affec-
tionate regard for their lamented and illustrious Commander. Duriog
the Procession the ships in the river displayed their various colours,
and the " Harmony, " of Liverpool, Captain Wilkie, fired forty-seven
gans, being the age of Lord Nelson, besides a Royal Salute of twenty-
one guns. It is estimated that not less than eighty thousand persons
were congregated upon this interesting occasion.
1806. December I. His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales,
was re-elected Grand Master and Patron of the Craft in Scotland, and
the Right Honourable Francis, Earl of Moira, was elected Acting Grand
Master.
The Grand Lodge this year deferred the celebration of the Festival
of St Andrew on account of the early day for which Parliament had
been summoned to meet, and the consequent absence from town of many
of the principal Office-bearers.
At the Quarterly Communication on the Sd August 1807^ several
charters were granted, and inter alia, one to several Brethren in Anda-
lusia, in Spun, under the title of " The Desired Re-union.*' At the
same meeting Brother James Gordon was appointed Provincial Grand
Master over all the Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland
east of Balbos, in Andalusia.
A dispute having existed for some time between the Mother Lodge
Kilwinning and the. Grand Lodge of Scotland, as to the right of grant-
ing Chartersi &c., a desire was manifested amongst seveml of the Office-
bearers of both Lodges for a mutual explanation, which, it was hoped,
would lead to a final amalgamation. After a preliminary correspond-
ence the Committees appointed by each of the parties held a conference
at Glasgow on the 14th of October ISO?, when the following Minute
of Agreement was drawn up and formally signed by the respective
parties :-—
At Glasgow, the Fourteenth day of October one thousand
eight hundred and seven.
At a meeting of the Committees appointed by the Grand Lodge of
Scotland and the Mother Lodge of Kilwinning, vested by their respec-
tive constituents with full powers for the adjustment of their Masonic
differences :
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174 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Present on the part of the Grand Lodge —
William Inglis^ Esq., Substitute Grand Master.
Sir John Stewart, Bart, of AUanbank.
Alexander Laurie, Esq.
Wm. Guthrie, Esq. Grand Secretary ; and
James Bartram, Esq., Grand Clerk.
And on the part of the Mother Lodge Kilwinning : —
William Blair, Esq. of Blair, Master.
Robert Davidson, Esq. of Drumlaj, Depute Master.
Alex. M'Gown, Esq. of Smithstone, Senior Warden,
Alexander Hamilton, Esq. of Grange.
Robt. Montgomerie, Esq. of Craighouse ; and
James Crichton, Esq. Collector of His Majesty's Customs, Irvine.
The Committees having exhibited and exchanged their respective
powers, and carefully considered the matters in dispute, reciprocally
agree as follows : —
'' Firsts That the Mother Lodge Kilwinning shall renounce all right
of granting Charters, and come in, along with all the Lodges holding
under her, to the bosom of the Grand Lodge.
** Secondly t That all the Lodges holding of Mother Kilwinning shall
be obliged to obtain from the Grand Lodge confirmations of their re-
spective Charters, for which a fee of three guineas only shall be exigible.
'' Thirdly, That the Mother Kilwinning shall be placed at the head
of the Roll of the Grand Lodge, under the denomination of Mother
Kilwinning, and her daughter Lodges shall, in the meantime, be placed
at the end of the ^id Roll, and as they shall apply for confirmations j
but under this express declaration, that so soon as the Roll shall be
arranged and corrected, which is in present contemplation, the Lodges
holding of Mother Kilwinning shall be entitled to be ranked according
to the dates of their original Charters, and of those granted by the Grand
Lodge.
'< Fourthly, That Mother Kilwinning and her daughter Lodges shall
have the same interest in, and management of the funds of the Grand
Lodge, as the other Lodges now holding of her, — Mother Lodge Kil-
winning contributing annually to the said funds a sum not less than two
shillings and sixpence for each intrant, and her daughter Lodges contri-
buting in the same manner as the present Lodges holding of the Grand
Lodge.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 175
" Fifthly f That tbe Master of the Mother Lodge KilwiDDing for the
time shall be ipso facto Provincial Grand Master for the Ayrshire dis-
trict. And,
** Lastly, While both Committees are satisfied that the preceding
arrangement will be hi<^hly condncive to the honour and interest of
Scottish Masonry, and though vested with the fullest powers to make a
final adjustment, the Committees do only respectfully recommend its
adoption to their respective constituents.
" William Inqlis, S, G, M, Will. Blair.
Jo. Stewart. Robt. Datidson.
Alex. Laurie. Robt. Montqomerie.
William Guthrie, Gd. Secy. Alex. M*Gown.
J A. Bartram, Gd, Clk, Alex. Hamilton.
James Crichton."
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d November 1807, the Report
of the mutual Committees upon the dispute with the Kilwinning Lodge
was approved of by the Grand Lodge, and shortly afterwards ratified
and confirmed by the said Mother Kilwinning Lodge; and William Blair
of Blair, Esq., Right Worshipful Master of said Lodge, was appointed
Provincial Grand Master for Ayrshire.
1807. November 30. His Royal Highness George, Prince of
AVales, was re-elected Grand Master and Patron, the Right Honourable
Francis, Earl of Moira, re-elected Acting Grand Master, and the
Honourable William Ramsay Maule of Panmure, M.P., chosen Acting
Grand Master Elect.
After the Election, the Grand Lodge, accompanied by upwards of
1,200 Brethren, walked in procession from the Parliament-House to the
Tron Church, where an excellent and appropriate sermon was preached
by the Rev. Mr Brunton, minister of the New Greyfriars, and a coUec-
tion made for the Charity Fund of the Grand Lodge.
At a meeting of the Grand Lodge on 15th February 1808, the Sul>-
stitute Grand Master was appointed to consecrate the Lodge Trafal-
gar, Leith.
The attention of the Grand Lodge was much occupied in the early
part of the year in suppressing an attempt made by Dr John Mitchell^
Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge Caledonian, Edinburgh, and
others, to throw ofl* and seduce their respective Lodges from their
allegiance to her. After a proof being led^ and answers thereto given
in and discussed, the Grand Lodge, after long and serious deliberation,
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176 TnE HISTORY OF FREE MilSONRY.
expelled the said Dr Mitchell and the leaders of those Brethren who had
aided and abetted him in his contumacious and highly unmasonic con-
duct; and copies of the sentence of expulsion, and the grounds thereof,
were circulated amongst all the Lodges under her jurisdiction, and sent
likewise to the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, who cordially
approved of the wise and vigorous measures which Kad been adopted
towards the recusants, and congratulated the Grand Lodge of Scotland
on the noble stand she had made, not only in defence of her own
authority, but also for the firmer establishment of the old landmarks,
and the general welfare of the Fraternity.
On the 18th September the Grand Lodge, assisted by about 1,000 of
the Brethren of the various Lodges in and around Edinburgh, and attend-
ed by the Right Honourable the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council,
in their robes, laid the Foundation-stone of a new Jail, with the accus-
tomed solemnities.^
On the 27 th October, the FoundationHstone of a Church at Portobello,
near Edinburgh, was laid by the Substitute Grand Master, accompanied
by several of the Grand Officers, and a large assemblage of the
Brethren.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th November, the Lodge of
Perth and Scoon was, upon a Memorial to that effect, re -admitted into the
bosom of the Grand Lodge, from which for some years past she had
been estranged ; and, considering the great antiquity ' of this Lodge, and
the handsome manner in which her office-bearers offered to pay up all
arrears, the Grand Lodge re-instated her in her old number on the Roll
of Daughter Lodges.
1808. November 30. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
was re-elected Grand Master and Patron, and the Honourable William
Ramsay Maule of Panmure, M.P., elected Acting Grand Master.
The Festival of St Andrew was this year celebrated in the usual
Masonic manner by upwards of seven hundred Brethren, in Corrie's
^ [This undertaking was never carried into effect, the site being subsequently
changed to a more convenient and salubrious locality on the Calton Hill. A
building, serving as an auxiliary Police Office, known as the " Lock-up-House, or
County Buildings Prison, " was however built on the Foundatioo-stone of the
intended Jail, which was removed in 1856 to make way for several improvements
on the Courts of Justice and the Library of the Faculty of Advocates. At its
demolition the plates, with the bottles containing the coins, newspapers, &c.,
were presented by the Prison Board of Scotland to the Grand Lodge, and are
now in her possession. — E.]
* [It possesses regularly kept Minute-Books for nearly the last three hundred
years. — E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 177
CoDcert-Rooins^ the Substitute Grand Master, in absence of the Acting
Grand Master, in the chair.
At a Special Meeting of the Grand Lodge on 14th December, the
Substitute Grand Master, Brother William Inglis, was presented with a
piece of plate, of the value of 100 guineas, in testimony of the appreci-
ation by the Brethren of his zeal and indefotigable exertions in the
cause of Masonry. The gift bore the following inscription ;— »
Presented to William Inolis, Esq., of Middleton,
The Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
Expressiye of the Esteem in which he is held by the Brethren
For
The Propriety, Ability, and Integrity, with which he has
upon all occasions
Promoted the True Interests of the Craft,
And his uniform Manly and Independent conduct
In supporting the Dignity of
The Grand Lodge of Scotland ;
14th December 1808,
At a meeting on 18th August 1809, it was reported that St Cecilia*s
Hall, Niddry Street, had been purchased by the Substitute Grand
Master William Inglis, Alexander Laurie, and James Bartram, Esquires,
on the part of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, for the purpose of con-
verting it into a Free Masons' Hall, at the price of L. 1,400 ; which pur*
chase was unanimously appro 7ed of. Besides the Subscriptions already
noticed, many of the Daughter Lodges made handsome contributions
towards the undertaking, amongst these was the Lodge St Stephen,
Edinburgh, for fifty pounds.
The 25th of October 1809, being the day celebrated throughout the
British Isles as a National Jubilee, on account of His Majesty King
George the Third having attained the 50th year of his reign, — ^amongst
other manifestations of public rejoicing a Grand Masonic Procession
took place for the purpose of laying the Foundation-stone of George the
Third's Bastion at the Port of Leith, which was performed by the Right
Honourable the Earl of Moira, in absence of the Most Worshipful the
Acting Grand Master.
The Masonic part of the procession which met in the Assembly
Rooms and Naval Yard, Leith, was arranged in the following order : — »
Two Grand Tylers with drawn Swords,
Band of Music,
12
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178 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Two Grand Stewards with Rods.
Band of Singers.
Square and Plamb.
Two Grand Stewards with Rods.
Compasses — Mallet — Level.
Two Grand Stewards with Rods.
Cup (with Wine) — Cornucopia (with Corn) — Cup (with Oil.)
Bottle (with Coins) — Bottle (with Newspapers.)
Two Grand Stewards with Rods.
Architect with Plans.
Two Grand Stewards with Rods.
Usher of White Rod— Bible— Usher oi White Rod.
Grand Chaplain.
Grand Jeweller — Grand Secretary — Grand Clerk.
Grand Warden, Substitute Grand Master, Grand Warden.
Grand Treasurer.
Past Grand Master — Grand Master — ^Depute Grand Master.
Three Grand Stewards with Rods.
Gentlemen attending the Grand Lodge.
Proxies and Wardens.
Edinburgh Lodges, with their Officers and Brethren,
in their Seniority.
The Ceremonial having been performed with the usual solemnities,
the Most Worshipful the Depute Acting Grand Master made the follow-
ing Address to the Right Honourable the Lord Provost and Magis-
trates : —
My Lord Provost,
^' In ordinary course we Masons are precluded (and wisely so,) by
the habits and rules of our Institution from adverting in that character
to any public occurrences, or taking part in any transaction which has a
political reference. That prohibition is considered by us as a necessary
assurance to our fellow-citiiens against any abuse of influence from a
numerous body, associated by ties not understood beyond our own circle,
assembling for purposes not explained, and covering our proceedings
with anxious secrecy, — we have therefore to felicitate ourselves that
on this occasion the Magistracy, by calling us forth to discharge the
public and proper functions of our Order, have thus given us an oppor-
tunity of testifying the ardour of our sentiments towards the best of
Sovereigns, without our obtruding ourselves in a manner inconsistent
with our principles. In common with your Lordship and the rest of
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TH£ HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. M^
car fellow- subjects, we have experienced the beoigDitj of His Majesty's
reign. In common with you, we have individaally exalted in the
extension of those arts and sciences so sedulonslj encouraged by his
fostering patronage ; — sciences not confined to the closet of the
student, but giving a just direction to the active industry of all
classes, which has caused the wealth of this country to attain a position *
unexampled in history ; above all, we have glowed with the conscious
pride of that manly defiance of every foe, which, relying on the favour
of Heaven towards our pious Sovereign has been exhibited by this
country amidst the wreck of surrounding Nations. This we have felt
as men and Britons. As Masons, we have further to boast a special
obligation : When mischievous combinations on the Continent^ borrow-
ing and prostituting the respectable name of Masonry, had sown dis*
aflfection and sedition through the communities within which they were
protected, and thereby called on the vigilance of the British Govern-
ment to forbid particular confederacies, here a flattering discrimination
exempted the established Free Masons from the scope of this prohibi-
tion. On the sole pledge of our declaration, — on the simple security
of our good faith, there was manifested a generous trust in our Ancien^
Fraternity. With a just sense of this magnanimous confidence, super-
added to the other motives which this day call forth effusions of
gratitude from every individual in the United Kingdom, we Masons, as
a body, offer up our humble thanksgiving to the Almighty for the
extended term which the reign of His Majesty has already reached,
devoutly imploring the Divine Author of all Good to grant farther a
long, a very long continuance, and earnestly praying that every hour of
that period may be marked by the fond attachment of a loyal people.
'* If any consideration may be admitted as adding to the happiness which
we feel in being thus enabled to express our suitable homage to our
Sovereign, it is that of testifying at the same time our respect for the City
of Edinburgh. That City has claims on the warm gratitude of us all,
and on mine among the foremost ; and we rejoice peculiarly in paying
our tribute to it when it is so adequately represented on this occasion
by your Lordship and your colleagues. In the name of the Craft I
sincerely wish that your Lordship may enjoy many years of health, of
comfort, and of happy reflection on the prominent position which you
held on this memorable day.'*
His Lordship, on behalf of himself and his colleagues, having made a
suitable reply j the bands played the King's Anthem, which was fol-
lowed with a grand salute from the guns of the Algeria sloop of
war, which was then lying in the dock, which salute was returned by
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180 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the ships of war in the roads. The procession then returned to the
Naval Yard, where the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form.
The line of procession was guarded hjthe Prince of Wales' Own Regi-
ment of Edinburgh Volunteers, and the whole ceremony passed off with
the greatest edit
On 6th November a Charter of Erection "was granted to certain
Brethren in Nassau, New Providence, under the title of the " Lodge
Union."
On 21st November 1809, the Free Masons' Hall of Scotland was con-
secrated by the Most Worshipful and Right Honourable the Earl of
Moira, Past Grand Master, as Grand Master, in presence of The Right
Honourable the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, accompanied by the Magis-
trates and Council ; the Right Worshipful and Right Honourable Henry
Erskine, as Grand Master Elect; the Right Worshipful Admiral Sir
Edmund Nagle, as Depute Grand Master ; the Right Worshipful
William Inglis, Esq., Substitute Grand Master ; the Right Worshipful
John Clerk, Esq. of Eldin, Senior Grand Warden ; the Right Worship-
ful William Wilkie, Esq., Master of the Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's
Chapel, No. 1, as Junior Grand Warden ; the Right Worshipful Dr
George Wood, as Grand Treasurer ; the Right Worshipful Alexander
Laurie^ Esq., as Grand Secretary, the Right Worshipful James Bar-
tram, Esq., Grand Clerk, accompanied by several Past Grand Masters,
and the Right Worshipful Masters of numerous Daughter Lodges, with
their Office-bearers and Members.
The Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master and the Grand
Officers were convened in the ante-room of the Great Hall, where, having
been clothed in the proper regalia of their respective offices, the Grand
Lodge was opened in ample form.
The Acting Grand Master, preceded by the Grand Stewards with
their rods, together with the other Office-Bearers, &c., passed into the
Great Hall, where they were received by the Brethren, all standing, with
the usual Masonic honours, during which the band played the Anthem
until the Grand Master was conducted to his place. The Acting Grand
Master having taken the Chair, stated to the Brethren that the Grand
Lodge, according to ancient custom on similar occasions, had been
already opened ; whereupon the vocal band sung the Masons' Anthem
in full chorus. The Acting Grand Master then delivered an eloquent
address upon Masonry, which was received and applauded with every
mark of Masonic approbation.
The Grand Architect was then desired to lay upon the table the
Jewels of the Grand Master, which having been done, the latter
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 181
desired the President of the Grand Stewards to deliver to the proper
Officers the Jewels of their respective Offices, viz. : — The Compasses to
the past Grand Master, the Level to the Depute Grand Master, the
Square to the Senior Warden, and the Plumb to the Junior Warden,
which being done, the Grand Secretary, in an appropriate address,
informed the Right Worshipful the Acting Grand Master that it was
the wish of the Fraternity to dedicate this Hall to Masonry; after
which the vocal band sung the Masonic Anthem, with '' Great Light to
Shine."
The Acting Grand Master, after an impressive address, declared this
Hall to be The Free Masons* Hall of Scotland, and in the most
solemn manner dedicated the same to Masonry.
The Grand Secretary repeated to the Brethren that this was now the
Free Masons* Hall of Scotland, dedicated by the Acting Grand Master
to Masonry ; which proclamation was followed by the Grand Honours.
TJje Cornncopia, filled with com, was presented by the proper officer
to the Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master, who, in absence of
the Grand Chaplain, strewed the contents over the Hall^ saying, *' May
the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply this place with abundance
of com, and all the necessaries and comforts of life ;" which was followed
by the singing of an Anthem.
The Acting Grand Master then most solemnly and impressively
dedicated the Hall to Virtue.
The Grand Secretary then repeated to the Brethren that the Hall was
dedicated by the Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master to Virtue,
which was followed by the Grand Honoura.
The cup with the wine was then handed to the Acting Grand Master,
who sprinkled the same over the Hall, saying, " May the bountiful hand
of Heaven ever supply this place with abundance of wine, and all the
necessaries and comforts of life ; " which was followed by an A u them.
The Acting Grand Master then solemnly dedicated the Hall to Uni-
versal Charity and Benevolence. Whereupon the Grand Secretary
repeated to the Brethren that the Hall was dedicated by the Most
Worshipful the Acting Grand Master to Universal Charity and Bene-
volence ; which was followed by the Grand Honoura.
The oil was then given to the Acting Grand Master, who in like man-
ner sprinkled the same over the Hall, saying ** May the all-bountiful
hand of Heaven ever supply this place and this country with abundance
of com, wine, and oil, and all the necessaries and comforts of life, and
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182 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
may the Free Masons' Hall of ScotlaDd, now dedicated to Masonry, be
ever the sanctuary and receptacle of Virtue, Universal Charity, and
Benevolence/' which was followed by the Grand Honours and solemn
music.
Thereafter the Entered Apprentice March was played by the Military
Band.
The Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master having called the
Brethren from labour to refreshment, proposed the healths of the Lord
Provost, Magistrates, and Council of Edinburgh, who had honoured this
meeting with their presence, to which the Lord Provost made a suitable
reply. The Acting Grand Master then drank to the health of all the
Masters of Lodges then present, which was appropriately replied to.
Many Masonic and Patriotic toasts were subsequently proposed and
responded to, and after an evening spent with that dignity and pro-
priety befitting the solemnity of so interesting an occasion, the Grand
Lodge was closed in ample form.
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THE inSTORV OF FRKB MASONRY. 183
CHAPTER X.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND, FROM
NOVEMBER 1809 tO NOVEMBER 1823.
1809. November 80. His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales,
was re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; the Honourable William
Ramsay Manle, M.P., re-elected Acting Grand Master, and the Right
Honourable James, Earl of Rossljn, chosen Acting Grand Master Elect
On 5th February 1810, the Reverend John Lee, D.D., Minister of
Peebles,^ was chosen Grand Chaplain, and inducted at the Quarterly
Communication on 7th May following.
An order was issued on 7th May for the consecration of the Lodge St
John, Airdrie, — the ceremony to be performed by the Master of the
Senior Lodge in the district.
On the motion of Brother Laurie, it was resolved " that a circular
letter shall be annually transmitted to all Lodges holding of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland^ specifying the Grand Officers elected at St Andrew's
Day ; stating the money received from, and the number of Intrants in
each Lodge ; a list of the persons relieved from the Charity Funds,
with the amount granted ; a statement of the necessary expenditure
attending the management of the Grand Lodge ; lists of Charters
granted to new Lodges ; expelled Members ; Contributors to the liqui-
dation of the Hall debt; and lastly, all new Laws or Regulations
adopted by the Grand Lodge."*
An Extraordinary Meeting of the Grand Lodge was held on 14th June
1810, to consider a letter, and Resolutions in connection therewith, from
the Grand Lodge of England, under the Grand Mastership of His Grace
the Duke of Athole, relative to a union between them and the Grand
^ [1857, Principal of, and Professor of Divinity in, the University of Edin-
burgh, and one of the Deans of the Chapel Royal, Holjrood.— E.]
* [The above Circular has proved of the greatest utility, and is now published
under the title of The Grand Lodge of Scotland's Reporter."— £.]
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184 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Lodge of Eugland under His Rojal Higbness the Prince of Wales, and
ctaying the advice and assistance of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in
effecting an object at once so desirable and Masonic. Whereupon, after
mature deliberation, the Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master,
the Right Worshipful the Acting Grand Master Elect, and the Right
Worshipful the Earl of Moira, Past Grand Master, were appointed with
full powers, to all or any one of them, to meet '' with the Officers of the
respective Grand Lodges of England, and assist and concur in any
measures that may be adopted by the Sister Grand Lodges for their
permanent union, and the general interest, honour, and harmony of the
Masonic Order."
This year the Foundation-stone of the Lunatic Asylum, Glasgow,
was laid with Masonic honours by the Right Honourable James
Black, Lord Provost of that city, appointed by the Grand Lodge, for
this occasion. Depute Provincial Grand Master of the Lower Ward of
Lanarkshire.
1810. November 30. His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales,
was re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; and the Right Honourable
James, Earl of Rosslyn, was elected Acting Grand Master. The Right
Worshipful Brother Alexander Laurie was appointed Joint Grand
Secretary.
The Grand Election took place this year in the New Hall, which had
been altered and handsomely fitted up for the reception of the Brethren
under the direction of Brother Laurie, to whom in particular, and to the
Committee assisting him in general, the thanks of the Grand Lodge
were unanimously voted. It had been in contemplation to have cele-
brated this event by a Masonic procession, which was however .dispens-
ed with, owing to the indisposition of His Majesty George the Third.
It was unanimously agreed to contribute L.lOO annually from the Grand
Lodge funds towards the extinction of the Hall debt until the same
should be paid.
The question of the right of a Master to appoint his own Depute was
this year formally brought under the consideration of the Grand Lodge,
when it was unanimously decided that the Master of a Lodge had the
right of appointing his own Depute, unless the practice of his particular
Lodge, or any bye-law thereof, ruled the contrary.
A Petition of a novel character was presented by Lieutenant Craw-
ford, and other Naval Officers, for a Charter to hold a Lodge under the
name of " The Naval Kilwinning Lodge on board Her Majesty's Ship
Ardent ;" which, after due consideration, and consultation with the Sister
Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, the Grand Lodge, notwith-
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 185
standing the respectable station of the applicants, felt herself constrained
to refuse.
1811. NoTEMBER 30. His Royal Highness The Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; The Right Hononrable James^
Ear] of Rossi jn, was re-elected Acting Grand Master ; and The Right
Honourable Robert, Lord Duncan, chosen Acting Grand Master Elect.
No event of importance occurred during the year.
1812. November 30. His Royal Highness The Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron, and the Right Honourable Robert,
Viscount Duncan, was elected Acting Grand Master.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Grand Lodge held on 31st March
1813, to consider inter alia the Petition of J. 0. Brown and others, who
had been expelled for the part taken by them in the proceedings of Dr
Mitchell, the Grand Lodge, in conformity with the prayer of their Peti-
tion, resolved to repeal the sentence of expulsion, and re-admit them to
full Masonic privileges ; and ordered copies of this deliverance to be for-
warded to all Daughter Lodges, and to the Grand Lodges of England
and Ireland ; it being always understood that this recissory act should
in nowise affect the sentence against Dr Mitchell, which was still in
force.
1813. November 30. His Ro3ral Highness The Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron; the Right Honourable Robert,
Viscount Duncan, re-elected Acting Grand Master; and the Right
Honourable Charles, Lord Kinnaird, chosen Acting Grand Master Elect.
After the Grand Election, which took place in the Parliament House,
the Brethren walked in procession by torch-light from thence to their
own Hall, where the Festival of St Andrew was celebrated by upwards
of 1,500 of the Craft in the usual Masonic manner.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Grand Lodge on the 20th Decem-
ber, there was laid on the table a conjunct letter from the Most Wor-
shipful His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, Grand Master of Free
and Accepted Masons of England, according to the old Institution, and
the Most Worshipful His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, Grand
Master of Free and Accepted Masons under the Constitution of England,
addressed to the Most Worshipful and Right Honourable the Acting
Grand Master, enclosing the articles of union between the above named
two Grand Lodges, which had been solemnly ratified, sealed, and ex-
changed by both the contracting parties, who were to take henceforth
the style and title of " The United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
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186 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Masons of EDgland/' the union to be consummated on the Festiral of St
John the Evangelist : All which documents having been considered bj
the Grand Lodge with fraternal attention and respect, congratulatory
resolutions were passed and ordered to be conveyed to the Grand Lodges
of England on this auspicious reconciliation and re-union.
Amongst the Charters granted this year was one, on 7th February
1814, to the Lodge Aitchison's Haven, which had been in existence
from the year 1555 ; and, from the circumstance of this Lodge being pre-
sent at the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736, it was
resolved that it should have precedence from that date, and stand
No. 36 on the Grand Lodge Roll.
1814. November 30. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron, and the Right Honourable James,
Earl of Fife, was elected Acting Grand Master.
On the 19th September 1815, the Foundation-stones of the Regent
Bridge, and the New Jail on the Calton Hill of Edinburgh, were laid
with the usual Masonic solemnities by the Most Worshipful the Acting
Grand Master, in presence of a great number of nobility and gentry, the
Lord Provost and Magistrates, the Sheriff of the County, and Parliameipi-
tary Commissioners for the erection of the new Jail, the Members for
the City, a large assemblage of the Brethren, and a vast concourse of
spectators.
The plate deposited in the Foundation-stone of the Bridge bore an
inscription to the effect that in the second year of the Provostship of
Sir John Marjoribanks of Lees, Bart., the citizens of Edinburgh having
made this new and magnificent access to their capital, according to the
plan of Robert Stevenson, Civil Engineer, ordered the name of the Regent,
George Augustus Frederick, to be inscribed thereon ; the first stone of
which was laid by the Right Honourable James, Earl of Fife, Acting
Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Society of Free Masons in Scot-
land, on the 19th September 1815, and in the year 5815 of Masonry.
The plate deposited in the Foundationnstone of the Jail bore the
following inscription : —
Annuente Deo Optimo Maximo
Georgii III, Patris Patriae, Anno Regni lv,
Prorege Georgio Augibto Fredfjiico,
Edinburgi Pnefecto Iterum
JoANNi Marjoribanks de Lees, Equite, Baronetto,
Provinciae Edinburgensis Vice-Comite,
Architecto Archibaldo Elliot,
Communi Urbis et Provincice sumptu collataque munifice
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 187
£x ^lario Publico ^ Senatu Britanniarum peconia
Hie Stniebatar Career,
In quo Salva ipsorum Castodia Noeentium ac iDfelidam,
Qui in eo sint coercendi saluti et commoditati quam maxime consnleretar,
Primum ipsins Lapidem Ritu et More Solenni
Posuit Jacobus FifjB, Ck>HEs,
Amplissimi Sodalitii Architectonici apud Scotos Cario Maximos,
XIX Septemb., a.d. mdccgxy,
^ra autem Arcbitectonicse laaiocccxY.
At the Quarterly CommuDication on 6tb NoYember, the Grand
Lodge, out of respect for the Masonic merits of the late Brother Peter
Douglas, Proxy Master for the Lodge Operative, Dunkeld, ordered the
erection of a marble Tablet to his memory, with a suitable inscription
thereon, ^ to be placed in the Hall of the Lodge Journeymen, Edinburgh,
with consent of the Brethren of that Lodge, of which the said Brother
Douglas had been an efficient member for upwards of thirty years, and
had filled all the offices therein not only with credit to himself and the
satisfaction of the Brethren, but in a manner conducive to the highest
interests of Masonry.
1815. November 30. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; the - Right Honourable James,
Earl of Fife, re-elected Acting Grand Master ; and the Right Honourable
Sir John Marjoribanks, Bart., was chosen Acting Grand Master Elect.
The Grand Election took place in the High Church Aisle, from
which the Brethren walked in procession to the Free Masons' Hall, in
the course of which an accident occurred, from the pressure of the crowd,
by which several spectators were unfortunately slightly injured. Upon
this report reaching the Brethren the sum of twenty-five pounds was
immediately subscribed for the families of the sufierers, to which the
Grand Lodge subsequently added twenty pounds, the Magistrates making
a similar contribution.
' [The following is a copy of the inscription above referred to : —
Thb Gbahd Lodob o» Sootlahd,
In Commemoration
Of the Masonic virtues
of
Brother Petsr Douglas, Deceased,
Late Master of the Lodge of Journeymen Masons ;
Places this Tablet
In the Hall of that Lodge,
1815.— 6815. — E.1
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188 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th May 1816, an Address was
voted to His Royal Highness the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
on the marriage of his daughter the Princess Charlotte, and was trans-
mitted to His Royal Highness hy the Right Honourahlo and Most Wor-
shipful the Earl of Fife, Acting Grand Master.
This year the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire was divided into two dis-
tricts, viz. : — the Upper and Middle Wards thereof, the increasing
interests of the Order urgently requiring such a division.
The Grand Lodge and Brethren, heing desirous to mark their appro-
hation of the unwearied efforts of the Substitute Grand Master, Brother
Inglis, in the interest of the Craft, unanimously agreed to solicit him to
sit for his portrait,^ to he placed, when finished, in the Great Hall of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland ; which request was courteously acceded to
by the Right Worshipful the Substitute Grand Master.
1816. December 2. His Royal Highness The Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron, and Sir John Marjoribanks of
Lees, Bart., M.P., was elected Acting Grand Master.
On 3d February 1817, in full Grand Lodge assembled, the following
Address to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, on his escape from
the attempt made on bis life in returning from opening Parliament, was
read and unanimously agreed to, and ordered to be transmitted by the
Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master to the Right Honourable
Lord Sidmouth, for presentation : —
"To His Royal Highness George, Prince of Wales, Regent of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Grand Master and
Patron of the Order of Free Masons in Scotland,
The Dutiful and Loyal Address op The Grand Lodge
OF Scotland.
" We, the Office-bearers and Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Free
Masons in Scotland, humbly beg leave to approach your Royal High-
ness to express our deep concern at the late wicked and treasonable
attack committed by some desperate individuals, amidst the tumults and
disorders of a misguided populace, upon the sacred person of your
Royal Highness, when returning from the exercise of one of the most
important functions of the high authority with which your Royal High-
ness is invested, and so inseparably connected with the liberty, welfare,
and happiness of every class of His Majesty's subjects.
* [Painted by Mr (afterwards) Sir Henry Raeburn, in the possession of the
Gi*and Lodge of Scotland. — E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FRKE MASONRY. 189
^' It is written in the Institates of our Order that we shall not at
our meetings enter into religious or political discussions ; upon the
present alarming occasion however^ we feel justified in humhiy pre-
senting ourselves to the notice of your Royal Highness, and joining
our voice to that of our fellow-suhjects in renewing the assurance of our
fervent and unalterahle attachment to your Royal Highness and to your
Illustrious House, and of our firm adherence to our present Constitution,
under which our country has flourished through so many ages in the
fullest [possession of civil and religious liherty.
" Signed and Sealed in our name and hy our appointment, in
Grand Lodge assembled, this dd day of February, in the
year of our Lord 1817.
(Signed) " John Marjoribanks, Acting Grand Master."
Another Act for the more eflectua] suppression of Seditious meetings
and assemblies having passed the Legislature this year^ a clause in
which provided, as before, for the exemption of Lodges of Free Masons,
the Grand Lodge, in acknowledgment of this renewed mark of confi-
dence, re-iterated her previous injunctions to Daughter Lodges ; and,
that no innovation might be introduced whereby the purity of the Order
would be diminished, unanimously resolved : —
" Xst. That it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of the
Brethren, or too often repeated, that the Grand Lodge recognises only
the three degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason of
Bt Johns Masonry,
** 2d. That at present this becomes the more necessary, because of late
years certain Orders have arisen in Scotland under a variety of appel-
lations, and attempts have been made by some of these Orders, and
also by individuals belonging thereto, to introduce themselves to meet-
ings of St John*s Masons, with their regalia and insignia j and, in parti-
cular, to processions of our ancient and respectable Fraternity.
^* Sd, That the Grand Lodge, and Lodges holding under her, having
only a right to hold their meetings in consequence of exemptions con-
tained in their favour in certain Acts of Parliament, it becomes the
more necessary to maintain not only the inviolability of their Constitu-
tion, but also the principles of the Craft in all their ancient purity.
'' ^th. That all the Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland
are therefore hereby certiorated that these standing Rules will in future
be strictly enforced by the Grand Lodge ; and that if any Order of
alleged Masons in a body, or any individual of those Orders, shall be ad-
mitted to the Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge, or allowed to walk
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190 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
in any procession, or assist at any Masonic meeting, with regalia,
insignia, badges, or crosses, other than those belonging to St John's
Masonry, the offending Lodges shall be proceeded against in the Grand
Lodge, in terms of her Laws, for any infringement of this Regulation,
— and
'^Lastly. That these Resolutions shall be printed and circulated
among all the Lodges in Scotland, that none may pretend ignorance j and
likewise transmitted to the Provincial Grand Masters, with instructions
to see this Law strictly enforced and carried into complete effect in
every Lodge in their respective Provinces."
1817. December 1. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was re-
elected Grand Master and Patron ; Sir John Marjoribanks, of Lees,
Bart., M.P., was re-elected Acting Grand Master ; and the Most Noble
George, Marquess of Tweeddale, was chosen Acting Grand Master Elect.
An Address of Condolence to His Royal Highness the Most Worship-
fill the Grand Master and Patron of the Order on the death of Her
Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales was read, and ordered
to be transmitted by the Most Worshipful the Acting Grand Master for
presentation. After which the Brethren, dressed in deep mourning,
walked in procession from the Free Masons' Hall to the High Church,
where an appropriate and eloquent Sermon from 2d Chronicles, vi, 28^ 1,
was delivered by the Rev. Dr John Lee, the Grand Chaplain, when a
collection was made on behalf of the Masonic Poor.
At the Quarterly Communication on Sd August 1818, it was
announced that the Grand Lodge, and the Fraternity in general, had sus-
tained severe loss in the death of their venerable and much respect-
ed Bible-bearer, Brother Alexander Peacock, the Father of the Scottish
Craft.
1818. November 30. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; and the Most Noble George^
Marquess of Tweeddale, was elected Acting Grand Master.
An Address of Condolence to His Royal Highness on the death of
Her Majesty Queen Caroline was prepared, unanimously 'approved of,
and ordered to be transmitted for presentation.
1819. November 30. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was
re-elected Grand Master and Patron ; the Most Noble George, Marquess
of Tweeddale, was re-elected Acting Grand Master ; and His Grace
Alexander, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, was chosen Acting Grand
Master Elect.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 191
On tbe Motion of the Substitate Grand Master Brother Inglis of
Middleton^ a loyal Address to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
expressive of the attachment of the Grand Lodge and Brethren to the
Throne, and the Laws and Constitution^ was read, unanimously approved
of, and transmitted to the Most Noble the Acting Grand Master for
presentation.
No Festival took place this year on account of the disturbed state of
the Manufacturing districts throughout the country.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Grand Lodge on 1 dth March
1820, convened for the special purpose of proposing an Address to His
Majesty on his accession to the Throne, the following was unanimously
approved of, and transmitted to the Acting Grand Master for pre-
sentation to His Majesty by his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, Acting
Grand Master Elect ; which His Majesty was pleased to receive very
graciously, and at the same time signified that he would have " great
satisfaction in continuing to be the Patron of the ancient Order of St
John's Masonry in Scotland:" —
" Unto the Kino's Most Excellent Majesty.
" May U please your Majesty,
" We, the Most Worshipful George, Marquess of Tweeddale, Acting
Grand Master Mason of Scotland; Alexander, Duke of Hamilton and
Brandon, Acting Grand Master Elect ; William Inglis, Esq. of
Middleton, Substitute Grand Master ; Samuel Anderson, Esq., Senior
Grand Warden ; James Joseph Hope-Vere, Esq. of Craigiehall and
Blackwood, Junior Grand Warden j Sir John Hay of Smithfield and
Hayston, Baronet, Grand Treasurer ; Alexander Laurie, Esq., Grand
Secretary ; James Bartram, Esq., Grand Clerk ; and the Rev. Dr
John Lee, Professor of Church History in the University of St
Andrews, Grand Chaplain, with the other constituent Members of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland ;
" Presume to approach your Majesty with sentiments of unfeigned
respect and of firm allegiance to your Majesty upon your accession
to the Throne of your Royal Ancestors, accompanied with feelings of
sincere condolence on the late afflicting events in connection with
your Majesty's illustrious House. While your Majesty's people will
ever remember with the deepest gratitude and afiection the Royal
and most estimable qualities of our late aged and revered Mon-
arch, we have the highest consolation in the reflection that his dis-
tinguished virtues are eminently inherited by his Royal successor,
and that the royal sceptre of this great and extended Empire will
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192 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
be wielded by jour Majesty with true and becoming dignity, and
with the utmost regard for the principles of our free and happy con*
stitution.
Your Majesty- has long most graciously condescended to permit
your august name to stand as Patron of Free Masonry in Scotland,
which has been the pride and boast of our ancient Order j with most
humble deference we venture to hope that your Majesty may graciously
allow that Royal Patronage to be continued to the Ancient Order of
St John^s Free Masons of Scotland, who are devoted to your Majesty's
person and government with that Masonic zeal for which our Order has
been for ages so conspicuously distinguished.
" We humbly but most cordially congratulate your Majesty on the
perfect re-establishment of a health so truly invaluable to the whole
Nation, and pray that it may be uninterruptedly preserved for a
long course of years, for the personal comfort of your Majesty, in which
we are most sincerely interested, and for the increasing prosperity, under
your royal sway, of a loyal and « faithful |)eople.
''Signed in name of, by appointment, and in Grand Lodge
assembled, and the seal of the Grand Lodge appended
hereto, this 13th day of March, in the year of our Lord
1820, and of Light 5820.
(Signed) " Tweeddale, Acting Grand Master.
Wm. Inglis, SubstittUe Grand Master.
Alex. Laurie, Secretary, Grand Lodge of Scotland."
A Charter was granted this year to several Brethren in the Island of
Grenada, for holding a Lodge there, under the title of the Lodge " St
George."
1820. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. His
Grace Alexander, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, was elected Grand
Master.
No event of importance occurred during this year«
1821. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. His
Grace Alexander, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, was re-elected
Grand Master, and his Grace George William, Duke of Argyle, chosen
Grand Master Elect.
After the Grand Election the Festival of St Andrew was celebrated
in the usual Masonic manner, the Right Worshipful the Substitute
Grand Master, Brother Inglis, in the unavoidable absence of the Most
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 193
Worshipful the Grand Master, presiding, assisted by the Right Wor-
shipful Brother James Joseph Hope-Vere, of Craigiehall and Bhtck-
wood, and Brother Samnel Anderson^ Past Grand Wardena
At the Quarterly Commnnieation on 4th February 1822, a letter was
read from Leonard Horner, Esq., Secretary to the Edinburgh School of
Arts, thanking the Grand Lodge for the very liberal manner in which
ihey had granted the use of the Hall for the accommodation of that
Institution, thereby enabling it to extend its usefulness to a degree that
would not have been practicable without this cordial co-operation.^
On the dOth May, the Grand Lodge met and was constituted at
Craigiehall House, near Edinburgh, from whence theyproceeded, attended
by upwards of 700 of the Brethren^ to lay the Foundation-stone of
Cramond Bridge, which was performed by the Right Worshipful Brother
James Joseph Hope-Vere, Past Grand Warden, acting for the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master, with the usual Masonic solemnities, in
presence of the Joint Committees of the gentlemen of the Counties of
Edinburgh and Linlithgow, the Right Honourable the Lord Provost of
Edinburgh, the Provost of Linlithgow, Sir William Fettes, Sir Patrick
Walker of Coates, Andrew Rutherfurd, Esq., Advocate, &c,, and a
numerous assemblage of spectators j a distinguished party of ladies also
graced the ceremony.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th August^ the Substitute Grand
Master stated that as it was the intention of His Majesty to visit Scot-
hmd, he begged to move that the Grand Lodge prepare a dutiful and
loyal Address on the occasion of the royal visit ; which was unanimously
agreed to.
The Subscribers to the National Monument of Scotland having been
incorporated by Act of Parliament, and the subscription being already
in a state of considerable forwardness, it was thought tiiat the King's
presence in the Scottish ctipital would be a suitable occasion for laying,
with all the honours of Masonry, the Foundation-stone of this splendid
edifice ; which ceremony, it was hoped, would be ^gnified by the pre-
sence of His Migesty, the Patron of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons
of Scotland. With that view, a meeting of the general committee of
Subscribers was held on the 5th August, at which the Earl of Leven
and Melville presided, when the following Resolutions, laid before
this Quarterly Communication, were moved by the Earl of Elgin and
Kincardine, seconded by the Earl of Rosebery, and carried unani-
mously : —
^ [This was the first School of Arts instituted in Scotland, if not in Great
Britaio, and the parent of the numerous Mechanics' Institates since ostabiish*
ed.— F-.]
13
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194 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
^' 1st, Resolred, in fulfilment of the expectation held forth, and in
redemption of the pledge come nnder to His Majesty the King, in the
petition presented to the Throne by his Grace John Duke of Athole,
in behalf of the Committee of Noblemen and Gentlemen, contributors
to the National Monument of Scotland, (should His Majesty be gra-
ciously pleased to countenance this Resolution,) to lay the Foundation-
stone of the edifice on the occasion of the gracious visit of His Majesty
(the Patron of the undertaking) to the ancient palace and capital of His
Royal ancestors.
" 2d, Resolved, That the preceding Resolution be forthwith com-
municated to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, of which the
King is Patron, in order that the necessary steps may be taken by them,
in conjunction with such of the Provincial Lodges as may choose to
attend, to give all due effect to this interesting and imposing ceremony.
(Signed) " Leven & Melvtllb, Freses,
Michael Linnino, Secy.''
The Grand Lodge having duly considered the foregoing Resolutions, re-
solved to afford every Masonic assistance that so important an occasion de-
manded, as soon as His Majesty's gracious intentious were made known
to them ; and appointed the whole Grand Oflicers as a Committee, with
full powers to make such arrangements as may be deemed expedient, —
the Substitute Grand Master to be Convener.
At a meeting of the Grand Office-Bearers of the Grand Lodge, held
at the Palace of Holyrood on the 12th day of August, the Most Wor-
shipful the Grand Master presiding, the following Address, in pursu-
ance of the unanimous resolution of the Grand Lodge on the 5th current,
was read and approved of; His Grace the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master undertaking to present it to His Majesty : —
" To THE King's Most Excellent Majesty.
'' Most Gracious Sovereiffn,
" We, your Majesty's most dutiful and faithful subjects, Alexander,
Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason
of Scotland ; George William, Duke of Argyle, Right Worshipful Grand
Master Elect ; George, Marquess of Tweeddale, Right Worshipful
Past Grand Master; William Inglis of Middleton, Right Worshipful
Substitute Grand Master; James Allan Maconochie, Advocate, Right
Worshipful Senior Grand Warden ; Myles Angus Fletcher, Advocate,
Right Worshipful Junior Grand -Warden ; Sir John Hay of Smithfield and
Hayston, Bart., Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer ; Alexander Laurie,
Right Worshipful Grand Secretary; James Bartram, Right Wor-
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 195
shipful Grand Clerk; John Maitland, Assistant Grand Clerk; The Rev.
Dr John Lee, Very Worshipful Grand Chaplain; William Cunning
ham, Very Worshipful Grand Jeweller ; and Archibald Paterson, Very
Worshipfnl Grand Bible-Bearer ; with all the other constituent Members
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, approach your Royal Presence with all
humility and respect.
" In the name and on behalf of the whole Fraternity, we solicit leaye
to welcome your Majesty, upon your arriral in this Kingdom, with our
heartfelt congratulations.
" Your Majesty^ as Patron of our Ancient Order of St John's Masonry
of Scotland, will be gratified to learn that the Fraternity continues to
cherish and cultirate those principles of brotherly lore, reverence for
the King, and respect for the laws, upon which Masonry was originally
founded.
" We consider it as an auspicious day for Scotland when your
Majesty landed in this country; and we are persuaded that a more
intimate knowledge of your Majesty's Scottish subjects, from personal
observation, will impress your Majesty's mind with a lively sense of the
loyalty and attachment which they profess for your Majesty's person, and
which will not be less gratifying to your Majesty's patriotic feelings
from their being founded on the just value we set upon the due main-
tenance of our laws and of our liberties.
" We hope that the mullaplicity of more important concerns, which
must occupy your Majesty's mind upon the present occasion, will not
prevent your Majesty from viewing with favourable regard this Ancient
Order which your Majesty has condescended so long to patronise.
''Regretting that the shortness of your Majesty's stay in Scot-
land will not permit us to hope for the honour of your Majesty's
presence within our walls at any of the ceremonies of our venerable
institution, we conclude with imploring that the Grand and Omnipotent
Architect of the Universe may grant to your Majesty a long and a
happy life, and that peace and comfort which you confer on your
people, and which will ever be gratefully acknowledged by the whole
body of Masons.
" Signed by appointment, and in Grand Lodge assembled, this
12th day of August 1822, and of Light 5822.
(Signed) " Hamilton & Brandon,
'* Grand Master Mason of Scotland ''
The Foundation-stone of the National Monument of Scotland, on the
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, was laid on Tuesday the 27th August 1822. The
Grand Officers assembled in the Hall of the Writers to His Majesty's
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196 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Signet, where the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by His Grace
the Duke of Hamilton^ K.G., Grand Master, whilst the Brethren were
marshalled in the Parliament Sqaare by the Grand Marshals ; and at two
o*clock the procession moved in the following Order : —
A Band of Music.
George Buchanan aod George Neagle, Grand Tylers,
with drawn swords.
Grand Stewards of Lodges Celtic, Portobello, and Trafalgar, with
white Rods.
Compasses and Level (carried by two Operatives.)
Grand Stewards of Lodges Caledonian, Roman Eagle, and Edinburgh
Defensive Band, with white Rods.
Square and Plumb, (carried by two Operatives.)
-Grand Stewards of Lodges St Stephen, New Edinburgh Kilwinning,
and St James, with white Rods. .
Operative. Mallet, Operative.
Carried by the Senior non-official Member of the
Lodge Journeymen, Edinburgh.
Grand Stewards of Lodges Royal Arch, Thistle, and St Andrew,
with white Rods.
Cup, (Wine.) Cornucopia, (Corn.) Cup, (Oil.)
carried by Three Operatives.
Grand Stewards of Lodges St Luke, St David, and Journeymen,
Edinburgh, with white Rods.
Inscription Plates, carried Architect Two Bottles with Medals,
by Operatiyes. with Plans. carried by Operatives.
Grand Stewards of Lodges Canongate and Leith, Canongate Kilwinning,
and Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, with white Rods.
Usher of White Rod. A. Paterson, Bible-Bearer. Usher of White Rod.
Rer. Dr John Lee, Grand Chaphun.
John Patison, Esq., W.S., John Dickie, Esq., W.S., with white Rods.
James Bartram, Grand Clerk, and John Maitland, Assistant.
J. Irvine Henderson, Esq., Advocate, Andrew Gillies, Esq., Advocate,
with Rods.
Alexander Laurie, Esq., Grand Secretaiy.
Alexander Kidd, Esq., Writer, John Thin, Esq., Architect, with Rods.
John Hay, Esq., younger of Hayston, Grand Treasurer, p. L
Edward Robertson, Esq., J. Carnegie, Esq., with Rods.
James Allan Maconochie, Esq., R. W. Senior, and the Honourable
General Duff, Acting R. W. Junior Grand Wardens, with Batons.
J. Graham Balfour, Esq., George Spankie, Esq., with Rods.
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TBB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 197
■ ■ ■ ■ — - .*■ — _^____^^_^.— ^— ^— — ^—
William iDglis, Esq., Right Worehipfal Sabstitute Grand Master.
James Ivory, Esq., Advocate,* William Alexander Lanrie, Esq.,
with Rods.
His Grace The Duke of Argjle, Grand Master Elect.
The Right Honoarable The Earl of Rosslyn, Past Grand Master.
Robert Brown, Esq., and Charles Gordon, Esq., with Rods.
His Grace the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, Grand Master.
William Spalding, Esq., Walter Moir, Esq., with Rods.
accompanied by
Sir John Marjoribanks of Lees, Bart., M.P., Past Grand Master.
Alexander Hamilton of Grange, Esq., Right Worshipful Provincial
Grand Master for Ajrrshire.
Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre, Bart., Right Worshipful Provincial
Grand Master for Perthshire.
Sir David Moncrieff of Moncrieff, Bart., Colonel Moray of Abercairney,
Provincial Grand Wardens for Perthshire.
John Maxwell, younger of Pollok, Esq., M.P., Provincial Grand Master
for the Lower Ward of Lanarkshire.
Lord Archibald Hamilton, M.P., Right Worshipful Provincial Grand
Master for the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire.
Thomas Graham Stirling of Airth, Esq., Right Worshipful Provincial
Grand Master for Stirlingshire.
Reginald Macdonald* of Staffa, Esq., Right Worshipful Provincial
Grand Master for Argyleshire and the Isles.
Major William Miller, Royal Horse Guards, Right Worshipful
Proyincial Grand Master for Dumfriesshire.
Thomas Legh, Esq., M.P. ; Colonel Stewart of Garth ; Governor
Mair of Fort George ; WiUiam Murray, Esq., of Murray's Hall,
Major Belshes of Invermay ; &c., &c., &o.
The Proxy Masters and Proxy Wardens, being constituent members
of the Grand Lodge, having been marshalled according to the seniority
of the respective Lodges which they represented, followed the Grand
Officers.
The Daughter Lodges, and Brethren amounting to upwards of three
thousand, followed, according to seniority, the Proxy Masters and
Wardens.
* [Subsequently the Hononrable Lord Ivory, one of the Senators of the
College of Justice.— E. J
' [Afterwards Sir Reginald Mocdonald Stewart Seton.— £.]
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ids THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
At the Waterloo Hotel the procession was joined by —
The Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council of the City of Edinburgh,
in their Robes,
preceded by the City Officers, carrying the Mace, Sword, &c.,
and attended by The High Constables, and Thomas Sawers, Moderator,
with his Baton of Office.
The Noblemen composing His Majesty's High Commission, with .their
attendants, — and
The Noblemen and Gentlemen composing the Committee of Subscribers
to the National Monument
The line of procession was guarded by the Scots Greys, the 3d
Dragoons, and a party of Infantry, accompanied by their respective
Bands. The splendour of this procession has never been excelled in
the Metropolis, and was witnessed by at least 100,000 spectators.
On its reaching the site of the Stone, and the Magistrates, Boyal
Commissioners, Committee of Subscribers, and the Grand Lodge and
Brethren having taken their respective places, the band performed the
King's Anthem, all present standing' uncovered; which being conclud-
ed, his Grace the Duke of Athole intimated that His Majesty had
executed a commission in favor of the Duke of Montrose, the Earls
of Rosebery, Hopetoun, and Elgin, Viscount Melville, Lord Lyne-
doch, and himself, and that, in exercise of the authority thereby
committed to them, they had craved the assistance of the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of Scotland and his Brethren in
laying the Foundation-stone of this National Monument to the
memory of those brave men who had shed their blood in the service of
their Country : Whereupon the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
said, that having received his Majesty's commands to lay this Foun-
dation-stone, it was now their duty to proceed with the undertaking ;
upon which the band played " Hail, Masonry." The Grand Chaplain
having ojQTered up a most impressive prayer, the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master directed the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Grand
Clerk, to place in the cavities of the stone the bottles containing the
coins, newspapers, plans, <&c., which being done, were covered with
plates, on which were the following inscriptions :^-
FivBt Plate :—
To
The Glory of God,
In honour of tho King,
For tho Good of the People,
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THK HISTORY OF F&EB M^AflONBY.
THIS MONUMENT,
The tribute of a gratefal CoaDtry to
Her gallant and illustrious Sons,
as
A Memorial of the past, and incentire to the future
Heroism of the Men of Scotland,
Was founded on the 27th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1822,
In the third year of the glorious Reign of Georqb IV,
Under his immediate auspices,
' and
In commemoration of his most gracious and welcome visit to his
Ancient Capital, and the Palace of his Royal Ancestors ;
John, Duke of Athole ; James, Duke of Montrose ;
Archibald John, Earl of Rosebery ; John, Earl of Hopetoun, i
Robert, Viscount Melville j and Thomas, Lord Lynedoch,
Officiating as Commissioners, in name and behalf, and by special
Appointment of His August Majesty, the Patron of the undertaking :
The celebrated Parthenon at Athens being the model of the Edifice.
On the back : —
National Monumbnt of Scotland,
His Grace John, Duke of Athole, President of the General Meeting
of Noblemen and Gentlemen held at Edinburgh on the 24th Febru-
ary, and at London on the 19th April 1819, and Chairman of the
Committee of Management. Sir William Rae of St Catherine's, Bart.,
Lord Advocate of Scotland, Convener, Michael Linning, Esq. of
Colzium, one of His Majesty's Clerks to the Signet, Secretary.
Sub-Committee of Management,
His Grace John, Duke of Athole.
The Right Honourable David, Earl of Leven and Melville.
The Bight Honourable Archibald John, Earl of Rosebery.
The Right Honourable Robert Saunders^ Lord Viscount Melville, First
Lord of the Admiralty.
Admiral Sir David Milne, K.C.B.
Henry Cockbum, Esq., Advocate. •
Robert Dundas of Amiston, Esq., Advocate.
^ [The name of Thomas^ Earl of £1^ and Kincardine, was added to the Com-
mission after the plates were engraved. — £.]
' [Afterwards one of the Senators of the College of Justice ; Author of a
** Life of Lord Jeffrey ; " " Memorials of His Own Time," &c.— E.]
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200 THB HI8T0BY OF FRBB MASONRY.
John Hay, Esq , Adrocate.
John Borthwick, Esq., Advocate.
Archibald Alison, Esq., Advocate. ^
James Simpson, Esq., Advocate.
William Inglis, Esq., W.S.
William Allan, Esq., of Hillside.
Hugh Williams, Esq., North Castle Street.
Stewart B. Inglis, Esq., of the King*s German Legion.
Michael Linning, Esq., Secretary and Convener.
Second Plate: —
The proposal for erecting this National Monument originated at
the Anniversary Meeting of the Highland Society of ScotUind held
on 9th January 1816, on a motion made by Michael Linning, Esq.
of Colzium, seconded by the Right Honourable Robert Dundas of
Amiston, Lord Chief Baron of Exchequer in Scotland ; His Grace
Charles WiUiam, Duke of Queensberry and Buocleuch, being Presi-
dent of the Society at the time.
On the Third or Cimc Plate was inscribed the names of the Magis-
trates and Councillors of the City.
Fourth or Masonic Plate : —
The Foundation-stone of this Edifice,
The National Monument of Scotland,
Was laid by
His Grace Alexander, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
Under the Patronage of
His Most Gracious Majesty George the Fourth,
This 27th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1822,
And of Light 5822.
GraTid Lodge of Scotland :
His Most Gracious Majesty George IV, Patron
Of the Most Ancient Order of St John's Masonry for Scotland ;
His Grace Alexander, Duke oT Hamilton and Brandon, Most Worshipful
Grand Master Mason of Scotland ;
^ [1857, Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., LL.D., Sheriff of the County of lAoark,
and Provinoial Grand Master for the Lower Ward thereof; the well-known
Author of the « History of Europe; " a « Life of Marlborough," &c.— E.]
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THB HISTORY OF FBBB MASONRY. 201
His Gmce George WiUiam, Dake of Argyle, Right Worshipful
Grand Master Elect ;
William Inglis of Middleton, Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master;
The Most Noble George, Marquess of Tweeddale,
Right Worshipful Past Grand Master ;
James Allan Maconochie, Esq., Advocate, Right Worshipful
Senior Grand Warden.
Myles Angus Fletcher, Advocate, Right Worshipful
Junior Grand Warden ;
Sir John Hay of Smithfield and Hayston, Right Worshipful
Grand Treasurer ;
Alexander Laurie, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary ;
James Bartram, Right Worshipful Grand Clerk ;
John Maitland, Assistant ;
The Rev. Dr John Lee, one of the Ministers of Canongate,
Very Worshipful Grand Chaplain ;
William Cunningham, Grand Jeweller ;
Archibald Paterson, Grand Bible-Bearer.
These ']plates being deposited, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
proceeded with the ceremony, and having applied the square, the plumb,
and the level respectively to the stone, with the mallet he gave three
knocks, saying, — " May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look
down with benignity upon our present undertaking, and crown this
splendid edifice with every success ; and may it be considered, for time
immemorial, a model of taste and genius, and serve to transmit with
honour to posterity the names of the artists engaged in it ;" followed by
the Grand Honours from the Brethren, and the Band playing '' On, on my
dear Brethren." When the music ceased, the cornucopia with com, and
the cups with wine and oil were delivered by the Grand Wardens to the
Substitute Grand Master, who in succession handed them to the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master, when he, according toancient custom, poured
out the com, the wine, and the oil upon the stone, saying, ^* Praise be to the
Lord immortal and eternal, Who formed the heavens, laid the foundations
of the earth, and extended the waters beyond it, Who supports the pilUirs
of Nations, and maintains in order and harmony surrounding Worlds : We
implore Thy aid, and may the continued blessings of an all-bounteous
Providence be the lot of these our native shores. Almighty Ruler of
Events, deign to direct the hand of our gracious Sovereign, so that he
may pour down blessings upon his people ; and may they, living under
sage laws and a free govemmcnt, ever feel grateful for the blessings
they enjoy : " Which was followed by the Grand Honours from the
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202 THB HISTORY OF FRBB IIASOMBT.
Brethren^ and prolonged cheering from the Royal Commissionen and
spectators. ,
A signal gun having been fired from the Calton Hill^ it was imme-
diately followed by salutes from the guns of the Castle of Edinburgh^
Leith Forty the ships in the Roads, and from the Ordnance placed on
Salisbury Crags. Whilst the band played the Masonic Anthem^ the
Most Worshipful the Grand Master, preceded by the Gband Wardens,
resumed their places on the platform, from whence his Grace delivered
the following address : —
^' However much I may feel gratified by the flattering situation I have
the honour to hold as Grand Master Mason of Scotland, I am at a loss
how to express myself in language adequate to the occasion. When
I look around me, I find in the highly distinguished individuals and
numerous bodies that are now present, new reasons for congratulating
my brother Masons and myself, and of hailing the arrival of this day, —
a memorable day, — ^in which we are engaged in laying the foundation
of an edifice similar to one raised at Athens in the pure age of Grecian
refinement. Long has that Grecian edifice been the object of universal
admiration, and has survived until now the vicissitudes of fortune, and
arrested even the unhallowed hands of barbarian conquerors. It is
laudable in Scotchmen to imitate such a model. The sons of Caledonia,
warlike in themselves, have ever possessed the patriotic valour of the
ancient Greeks. Having rivalled them in the field, let them now
emulate their eminence in the arts, and let this Monument, consecrated
to perpetuate the gallant deeds of their brethren who have fought and
bled in their country's cause, be worthy to become the model of
Scottish taste. The site selected is fortunate. We are now upon
hallowed ground, already devoted to a patriotic purpose and to patriotic
recoUections. There stands before us the bright but melancholy memorial
of our illustrious hero of Trafalgar, who, when fidling in his country's
cause, called upon his companions-in-arms to do their duty ; nor did he
call in vain. Every heart beat in unison in the common cause of that
memorable day. He gave to England a novel wreath of glory, and
died as he had lived, in the arms of victory.
" At this moment, and on this spot, many gaUant deeds of arms could
be told of our heroic countrymen— of those who have failen in the field
and of those who stand here to grace this ceremony, competent alike
to defend and honour their country. It is highly gratifying to know
that the work we are now engaged in is countenanced by the King,
through the medium of his High Commissioners, supported by many of
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THB HISTORY OF FBBB MA80NBY. 203
the noblemon aAd most distingaished individuals of the conntiy ; npheld
by the Magistrates of this great city ; and oommenoed under the auspices
of my respectable Brethren around me. That His Majesty, our Patron,
should hold forth a fostering hand to his Brother Masons and encourage
them in what is beneficial to mankind, at once manifests his care for his
people and his attachment to the Craft* We are most grateful to him
for his royal commands, made known to us through the medium of the
distinguished Commissioners who represent his royal person. I con-
sider it as a fortunate eyent his coming to this his kingdom of Scot-
land. When he landed upon our shores it was an auspicious day for
this country, not merely because he beheld the beauty and improve-
ments of this great metropolis and surrounding country ; not merely
because he has witnessed the exultation of a well regulated and intel-
lectual people I not merely because he had an opportunity of showing his
benignity and kindness to all his subjects, I look to objects of national
importance, and even of greater weight and consequence. I consider it
as an auspicious day because it placed him as it were in contact with
the Scottish people ; it enabled him to examine, by personal communi-
cation, into their characters and feelings ; it enabled him to inquire into
the state of this country ; to inform himself of our wants and distresses ;
to relieve them where they exist; to maintain and preserve our
comforts and eminent advantages. I say it was an auspicious day for
Sovereign and Subject^ inasmuch as it opened a new scene of glory to a
constitutional King, and offered a new promise of prosperity to an
affectionate people.
^ I feel rejoiced at being upon this occasion placed at the head of our
ancient and venerable institution of Masonry ; and I am happy, how-
ever inadequate to the task, to address also the worthy Lord Provost
and Magistrates of this City ; no one can beholdt he embellishments made
in it without complimenting them upon their taste and exertions, as it
must have been the result of constant attention and judicious plans to
have produced changes so beneficial, convenient, and ornamental » These
improvements are the source of pride to ever Scotchman ; the source of
wonder and admiration to every stranger.
" When I perceive myself surrounded by friends and Brethren whose
high qualities render them dear in social life, and valuable to our august
fraternity, I congratulate myself and the Craft. Occasions like the pr^
sent remind us of the origin of our Order. The mysterious ceremonies
of our art teach us that we are associated for the improvement of archi-
tecture and the benefit of social man. I rejoice to co-operate in these
duties with my brother Masons on this solemn occasion, so truly genial
to the spirit of the Craft. I am proud to see by my side, (and I
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204 THB HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY.
congratalate my brother Masons upon it,) the Grand Master Elect of
Scotland. Brethren and Scotchmen^ when such names, and others around
me, present themselves to you, there is no one who does not recur to the
bright pages of Scottish history, where they find them signalized by
deeds of renown and glory, which they read and admire, and anticipate
in their sons the continuance of the patriotic virtues of their progenitors.
" Before I conclude I beg to offer my thanks to the different Mas-
ters, Wardens, Officers, and Brethren, for their numerous attendance
at this solemn ceremony. Having concluded the duty of the day, let
them return home ; and, animated with new zeal for the spirit of Masonry,
let them encourage in their respective situations the sacred and
mysterious ceremonies of our august Institution, formed, in due humility,
upon thd basis of true and genuine philanthropy ; — ^let them promote
with industry the practice of love and charity. As the Great Architect
of our universe is the creator of all that is good or great, so be you the
instruments and ministers of His will, continuing to teach and encourage
the virtue of Fraternal affection."
His Grace the Duke of Athole having in the King*s name returned
thanks to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, to his Grace the
Duke of Argyle, Giand Master Elect, to the Grand Wardens, the Pro-
vincial Grand Masters and Worshipful Brethren, for having so ably
performed their Masonic duties on this important and interesting occa-
sion, said *' that they could not conclude better than by reading the pre-
amble of the Act under which they, the Commissioners appointed by His
Most Gracious Majesty, the Patron of the undertaking, to represent his
sacred person, had now officiated, — ' Whereas it is expedient that a
monument should be erected in Scotland in testimony of national grati-
tude to Almighty God for the signal successes of the British arms by sea
and land in the late eventful war, to perpetuate the memory of those
brave men whose exertions contributed to the glorious result of that
arduous and momentous contest, and to act as an incentive to others
hereafter to emulate their example in maintaining the honour and pro-
moting the welfare of their country.' .
<* This national tribute of gratitude to our gallant countrymen has," con-
tinued His Grace, " been commenced under the most peculiarly auspid-
ons circumstances. The ground was broken on the anniversary of His
Most Gracious Majesty*s birth-day, and the Foundation-stone is laid by
us, the Commissioners acting in the name and on behalf of His Majesty,
on the anniversary of the day when Christian Shivery was abolished,
when the captive's bonds were broken, and the prisoner set free by
British valour under the walls of Algiers, — thus gloriously terminating
the achievements of our gallant countrymen.*'
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 205
The ceremony being concladed, the procession left the ground in
reverse order, the Jnnior Lodges walking first ; when it arrived at the
Waterloo Hotel, the whole Brethren halted, and having opened to the
right and left within the military, and being uncovered, the High
Commissioners, the Committee, Lord Provost and Magistrates, SherijQT,
and High Constables, passed between the lines, and entered the Water-
loo Hotel. The Lodges then resumed their position of close order, and
proceeded to Freemasons' Hall. On the arrival there of the Jnnior
Lodge the Brethren again halted, opened to the right and left, and stood
uncovered till the Grand Master, Office-bearers, and attendants, passed
through the lines to the Hall, where they were followed by the Masters,
Proxy-Masters, and their Wardens ; the Lodges being left in charge of
the Depute Masters.
Before proceeding to close the Grand Lodge, the Duke of Hamilton
again expressed his warmest thanks to his noble friends, and to the
Brethren in general, for their attendance. His Grace stated that he had
frequently lamented thai, from particular circumstances, he had not had
it in his power to meet the Brethren since his appointment to the
Masonic chair, though it was well known to many in the room that he
had^ been most desirous to have an opportunity of communicating
masonically with his Brethren ; and he assured them that if at all
possible, he would gladly have another meeting before his departure
from Scotland.
The Grand Lodge was then closed in ample form, and the Brethren
separated.
The following Report was on the same day transmitted by His
Majesty's High Commissioners to the Secretary of State for the Home
Department : —
'^ Edinburgh, August 27, 1822.
"Sir,
^'We beg leave to report, for His Majesty's information, that the
Duke of Montrose, the Earl of Hopetoun, and Lord Viscount Melville,
not being able, from unavoidable circumstances to be present, we, the
undersigned^ appointed in conjunction with the above-mentioned
Noblemen to represent His Majesty on the occasion of laying the
Foundation-stone of the National Monument to be erected on the Calton
Hill, in commemoration of the victories of the late war, having called
for the assistance of the Grand Master, the Grand Lodge, and other
Masonic Lodges of Scotland, the ceremony was performed this day at
three o'clock, p.m., with all due solemnity, under a Royal Salute frt>m the
Castle of Edinburgh, the Battery on Salisbury Crags, and His Majesty's
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206 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
ships in Leith Roads, and amid the acclamations of an immense con-
coarse of spectators.
" We have the honour to be, Sir, &c.,
(Signed) " Athole.
Elgin and Kincardine,
rosebery.
Lynedoch.
" To the Right Honourable Robert Peel."
The following letter was transmitted by the Duke of Athole, Proses
of the Royal Association of Contributors to the National Monu-
ment, to his Grace the Duke of Hamilton, Grand Master Mason of
Scotland : —
^^ Edinburgh, August 30, 1822.
" My Lord Duke, — Permit me to thank your Grace, as Grand
Master Mason of Scotland, in name and on behalf of the Royal Associa-
tion of Contributors to the National Monument, for the very obliging
and handsome co-operation of the Grand Lodge and the Provincial
Lodges of Scotland, on the late auspicious occasion of laying the
FoundationHstone of an edifice which must do honor to the country and
prove a splendid ornament to this ancient capital.
'* The ceremony was conducted in a manner highly gratifying to the
immense concourse of spectators who witnessed it, and it may perhaps
be with justice considered one of the grandest and most impressive
spectacles in the history of Masonry.
'' Your Grace will have the goodness to convey these sentiments to
the Grand Lodge and other Lodges of Scotland, and oblige, My Lord
Duke, your most obedient and fsdthful humble servant,
(Signed) " Athole, Preaes.''
1822. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. His
Grace George William, Duke of Argyle, was elected Grand Master.
November 29, 1823. — The business during the year was of a
routine nature, — ^no event occurring of sufficient importance to be record-
ed here.
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CHAPTER XL
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND, FROM
DECEMBER 1, 1823, TO NOVEMBER 1836.
1823. December 1. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. His
Grace George William, Doke of Argyle, was re-elected Grand Master,
and the lUght Honourable John, Viscount Glenorohy, chosen Grand
Master Elect.
On the dOth April 1824, the Foundation-stone of the new road or
approach to Glasgow from London was laid, by sanction of the Grand
Lodge, by the Right Honourable Lord Provost Smith of Glasgow,
Depute Provincial Grand Master of the Lower Ward of Lanarkshire,
in presence of a large assemblage of the Brethren and a great number
of spectators.
Amongst the Charters granted this year was one to certain Brethren
residing in Angostura^ Province of Guayana in Venezuela, for holding
a Lodge under the name of " The Eastern Star, Colombia."
1824. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable John, Viscount Glenorchy, was elected Grand Master.
On account of the recent calamitous conflagrations in the city, the
celebration of the Festival of St Andrew was this year dispensed with.
The Foundation-stone of the High School, Calton Hill, Edinburgh,
was laid on the 28th April 1825 by the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master, with the accustomed Masonic ceremonial, in presence of a
large attendance of the Brethren, the Right Honourable the Lord
Provost, the Magistrates, the Principal and Professors of the Univer-
sity, and the Rector and Masters of the High School.
1826. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable John, Viscount Glenorchy, was re-elected Grand
Master, and the Right Honourable Thomas, Earl of Kinnoul, chosen
Grand Master Elect
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208 THE HISTORY OF FRRE MASONRY.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6tli February 1826, it was
resolved to divide the extensive and populous shire of Renfrew into
two districts, to be thenceforth called the East and West Renfrewshire
Provinces ; which division was made accordingly, and Provincial Grand
Masters appointed to each.
1826. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. The
Right Hononrable Thomas Robert, Earl of Kinnoul, was elected Grand
Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th February 1 827, an Address
of Condolence to His Majesty on the death of His Royal Highness the
Duke of York was moved, unanimously approved of, and transmitted to
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master for presentation, and which His
Majesty was pleased to receive very graciously. A Charter was, at
the same meeting, ordered to be issued in favor of certain Brethren
in Halifax, for holding a Lodge there, under the title of the " Lodge
Thistle, Halifax, Nova Scotia.''
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th August, Brother William Bum
was appointed Grand Architect, in room of Brother John Thin, deceased.
On the 15th August, the Foundation-stones of the Western- approach
and George IV Bridge,-- Edinburgh, were, at request of the City Improve-
ment Commissioners, laid with the usual Masonic ceremonial by the
Substitute Grand Master, Brother Inglis, attended by about 1,200 of
the Craft, and in presence of the said Commissioners, the Right Honour-
able the Lord Provost (Trotter) and Magistrates, the Sheriff of the
County, and a great number of spectators. At the conclusion of the
ceremony the Right Worshipful the Substitute Grand Master addressed
the Right Honourable the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Commis-
sioners, as follows : —
•' My Lord Provost and Gentlemen,
" In the absence of the Right Honourable and Most Worshipful the
Earl of Kinnoul, Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the honorable- task
has nnexpectedly devolved upon me of presiding in my Masonic
capacity upon this occasion, being the anniversary of the day so
gratifying to the feelings of the people in Scotland — ^the day on which
His Majesty landed on his visit to this country. While I regret that
your Lordship and the Commissioners have been deprived of the pre-
sence of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, I feel great pride and
satisfaction, as one of the oldest Free Masons in Scotland, and not a
very young citizen of Edinburgh, in occupying this day so distinguished
a position. I have now, therefore, to offer to your Lordship ray heartfelt
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THB HIBTORY OF FRBE MASONRY. 209
coDgratnlations, in which I aiQ joined by all the Masons of Scotland
now present, on the anspicions commencement of these works ; and I
assure yonr Lordship and the honourable Commissioners, that we all
feel much gratified by the manner in which we have been employed to-
day. We look upon this as a new era in the history of your city ;
because, in thus connecting by these new approaches the whole of the
metropolis and the extended enyirons, a benefit is conferred not only
upon all parts of Edinburgh without distinction, but the ancient part of
the city^ for which we hare the highest veneration, is by these im-
provements preserved in a great measure from decay, thereby increasing
the beauty of that picturesque situation for which we are so much
indebted to nature."
His Lordship haviug made a suitable reply, the procession proceeded
to the Royal Exchange, where the Brethren were dismissed.
1827. November 30. His Majesty King George IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable Francis, Lord Elcho, was elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 4th August 1828, Brother John
Hay, younger, of Hayston and Smithfield, was elected Interim Substi<-
tnte Grand Master, in room of Brother William luglis, resigned*
1828. December 1. His Majesty King George lY, Patron. The
Right Honourable Francis, Lord Elcho, was re-elected Grand Master.
No event of importance occurred during the two preceding years.
1829. November 30. His Majesty King George IV^ Patron. The
Right Honourable Francis, Lord Elcho, was re-elected Grand Master,
and the Right Honourable George William Fox, Lord Kinnaird, chosen
Grand Master Elect. .
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d August 1830, the following
Resolutions were adopted, upon the death of Brother Sir John Hay, the
late Grand Treasurer : —
'' Ist, That the. Grand Lodge sympathise most sincerely with Sir John
Hay of Hayston, Bart., their Substitute Grand Master, upon the death
of his father the late Sir John Hay, Treasurer to the Grand Lodge of
Scotland.
" 2d. That the Grand Lodge, while they deeply lament the great loss
they have sustained, are highly sensible of the many obligations they owe
to the late Sir John Hay, who for nearly half a century acted as their
Grand Treasurer ; and, besides faithfully discharging the duties of that
important office, rendered many pecuniary services to the Grand Lodge,
U
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210 TUB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
3^. That the above unanimons expression of the sentiments of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland shall be communicated by the Grand Secretary
to Sir John Hay^ Bart., the present Right Worshipful Substitute Grand
Master.
Thereafter the Grand Lodge approved of the following Address to
His Majesty King William IV on his accession to the Throne, and
unanimously resolved to transmit the same to the Right Honourable the
Earl of Rosslyn for presentation : —
Unto the King's Most Excellent Majesty,
" May it phase your Majesty,
" We, your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, Francis, Lord Elcho,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Ancient Order of St
John's Masonry for Scotland, George William Fox, Lord Kinnaird^
Depute Grand Master, John, Viscount Glenorchy, Past Grand Master,
Sir John Hay of Smithfield and Hayston, Bart., Substitute Grand Master,
in the name and on behalf of the Freemasons of Scotland, of the Ancient
Order of St John, beg leave to approach your Majesty with the expres-
sion of our most sincere condolence on the mournful bereavement which
your Majesty and the Empire has suffered by the demise of our late
revered Monarch George IV, the illustrious Patron of our Ancient
Order.
" At the same time, we have a peculiar satisfaction in offering to
your Majesty our hearty congratulations upon your Majesty's accession
to the throne of your Royal Ancestors, having the fullest assurance
that the sceptre of these realms has descended to a Prince who will
wield it to his own honour, as well as for the glory and happiness of
a loyal and a faithful people.
" We humbly implore the Great Architect of the Universe to shower
down upon your Majesty and your Royal Consort His divine blessing ;
and that your Majesty may have a long, a happy, and a prosperous
reign, is the affectionate and fraternal wish of the Free Masons of
Scotland.
" Signed in name of, and by appointment of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, in full Grand Lodge assembled, and the Seal of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland appended hereto, at Free Masons*
Hall, in the City of Edinburgh, this 2d day of August, in
the year of our Lord 1830, and of Light 5830.
(Signed) " Eloho, Grand Master.
" John Hay, SubstittUe Orand Master,
" Alex. Laurie, Grand Secretary,
'* Jas. Bartram, Grand Clerk"
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At the nomination of Grand Office-bearers on 1st November^ the
Right Worshipful the Substitute Grand Master read the following letter,
transmitted to the Grand Secretary by the Right Honourable the Earl
of Rosslyn, which was received by the Brethren with every demonstra*
tion of Masonic respect :— -
" WhUehaU, August 12, 1830.
" My Lord,
" 1 have had the honour to lay before the King the loyal and dutiful
address of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Scotland, of the Ancient
Order of St John, which accompanied your Lordship's letter of the 10th
instant, and have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship that His
Majesty was pleased to receive the same in the most gracious manner.
I am able to add that His Majesty has been graciously pleased to
signify his consent to become the Patron of the Grand Lodge of Free
Masons of Scotland, of the Ancient Order of St John. I have the honour
to be, My Lord, your Lordship's very obedient Servant,
(Signed) " Robert Pbeij.
'' The Earl of Rosslyn, &c., &c., &o.,
^* St James' Square, London."
1830. November 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable George William Fox, Lord Kinnaird, was elected
Grand Master.
At an Extraordinary Meeting of the Grand Lodge, held on the 19th
March 1831, the following Resolution, expressive of the regret at the
loss sustained by the Grand Lodge on the death of Brother Alexander
Laurie, late Grand Secretary, was unanimously agreed to : —
" Resolved, That the Members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland avail
themselves of the opportunity of this meeting to record the deep sorrow
which they feel for the loss which the Grand Lodge has sustained in the
death of their Grand Secretaiy, who, for a period of twenty years, dis-
charged the duties of the office zealously and faithfnlly ; and, indepen*-
dent of acquiring to himself the character of a true christian and up*
light honourable man, his memory is endeared in the heart of every
Mason for the manner in which he discharged his duties not only in
the Grand Lodge but for the kind-heartedness which he displayed in
dispensing the charity funds under his charge ; and the Members of the
Grand Lodge must ever hold themselves under the greatest obligations
for the spirited, liberal, and handsome manner in which he made him-
self personally responsible for the large sum of money necessary to
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212 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
secure the Grand Lodge their present Hall ; and while the Members of
the Grand Lodge entertain these feelings as Masons, they would also beg
to record their feelings of deep sympathy with his afflicted &mi]y for the
loss they have sustained in an affectionate husband and kind father."
Thereafter the meeting proceeded to fill up the vacant office, when
Brother William Alexander Laurie, who had been for some years
Assistant Grand Secretary, waa, on the proposition of Brother James
Gibson-Craig,^ seconded by Brother Sir John Murray Nasmyth, Bart.,
elected by a majority of 1 29 ; and, after a suitable address from the
Substitute Grand Master, was sworn into office in the usual manner.
The Committee for the erection of the Bums Monument on the
Calton Hill having fixed on the 8th September for laying the Founda-
tion-stone thereof, requested the co-operation of the Grand Lodge on
the occasion, a request to which 'the Grand Lodge most readily acceded;
but as the Magistrates declined sanctioning a public procession on
account of the disturbed state of public affairs^ the idea of a Masonic
demonstration was reluctantly abandoned.
1831. November 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patrt>n.
The Right Honourable George William Fox, Lord Kinnaird, was re-
elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable Henry David, Earl
of Buchan, chosen Grand Master Elect.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th February 1832, the sum of
L.25 was voted to the Board of Health, recently instituted in Edinburgh,
to be applied by them in aid of the fund for support of the Soup
Kitchen of that city. The Grand Lodge at same time intimated that
they would give a second subscription to the same amount, if circum-
stances should require it.
In the absence of the Right Honourable the Earl of Rosslyn, Provin-
cial Grand Master for Fifeshiro Province, the Grand Lodge authorised
Brother George Birrell, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge Union,
Dunfermline, to lay the Foundation-stone of a new Hall to be erected
for that Lodge there ; the ceremony to be performed with the assist-
ance of the neighbouring Lodges, on the 4th day of June.
At an Extraordinary meeting of the Grand Lodge held on the 29th
June, the Right Honourable the Earl of Buchan, Grand Master Electa
moved an Address to His Majesty expressive of the abhorrence in
which the Grand Lodge and Brethren viewed the late atrocious attack
made upon his sacred person, and the gratitude they felt towards an
over-ruling Providence for his Majesty's safety. An Address having
been prepared and read accordingly, it was unanimously agreed to, and
* [Afterwards Sir Jamee Gibson-Craig of Riccarton, Bart,--E.]
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tMk history op freb masonry. 213
transmitted to the Right Honourable Lord Kinnaird, the Most Wor-
shipful Grand Master, who presented it to His Majesty at the Levee
on the 8th July, which was received by His Majesty in the most gracious
manner.
The Foundation-stone of a new harbour at Perth was laid with
Masonic honours on the 9th June by the Lord Provost of that city,
acting by appointment of the Right Honourable Lord Kinnaird, Grand
Master Mason of Scotland and Provincial Grand Master of that Pro-
vince ; and, by sanction of the Grand Lodge, on 9th August his
Lordship the Most Worshipful the Grand Master laid the Foundation-
stone of a new harbour at Dundee, in presence of the Lodges of the
District, with the usual Masonic Ceremonial.
1832. November 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable Henry David, Earl of fiuchan, ^as elected Grand
Master.
The. transactions this year were wholly of a routine nature, and con-
tained nothing of permanent interest to the Fraternity.
1883. November 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patron. The
Most Noble William Alexander Anthony Archibald, Marquess of
Douglas and Clydesdale, was elected Grand Master. Commissions
were also read appointing the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, Pro-
vincial Grand Master of the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire ; Sir Thomas
Dick-Lauder of Fountainhall and Grange, Bart., Provincial Grand
Master for Elgin and Morayshires ; and William Doune Gillon, Esq. of
Walihouse, M. P., Provincial Grand Master for Linlithgowshire; who,
being all present, took the oaths and their places in the Grand Lodge
accordingly.
The Festival of St Andrew was afterwards celebrated in the Waterloo
Hotel, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master in the Chair, attended
by the Grand Officers and about 200 of the Brethren ; and, after spending
a happy and truly masonic evening, the Grand Lodge was closed at
high twelve by the Grand Master, in due and ample form.
On the evening of the 15th January 1834, Sir John Hay, Bart., Sub-
stitute Grand Master (in absence of the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master), accompanied by the Officers of the Grand Lodge and others,
visited the Lodge St Luke, Edinburgh ; on the 22d of the same month
a similar visit was paid to the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning ; on the
30th to the Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel ; and on 3d February,
to the Lodge St David, Edinburgh ; in all which they were welcomed
by the respective Right Worshipful Masters and Office-bearers with
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214 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
eveiy demonittation of masonic respect dae to their high position in the
Craft. These are the first instances of Grand Visitations which occor
in the Records of the Grand Lodge.
On the 21 st of March, Sir John Haj^ Bart.^ accompanied by Brothers
Reginald Macdonald of Staffi^ Junior Grand Wuden, Sir Norman
Macdonald Lockhart of Lee, Bart., Acting Depute Grand Master, the
Grand Secretary, the Grand Clerk, and others, laid the Founda-
tiouHstone of the County Buildings and Jail of Lanark, according
to masonic usage and the rules of the Craft An eloquent sermon,
most appropriate to the occasion, was preached in the Parish Church of
Lanark hy the Rev. Alexander Stewart, Minister of Douglas, which was
afterwards printed and puhlished at the request, and under the sanction
of the Grand Lodge.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Sahstitute Grand Master
addressed the Magistrates, Commissioners of Supply, Trades, and
Brethren, to the following effect : —
" It is now my duty to congratulate you upon the auspicious com-
mencement of this great undertaking. We have this day laid the
Foundation-stone of a building which will do honour both to you and to
this rich district. It is indeed a pleasant sight to see this happy com-
bination of the Magistracy of this Royal Burgh and the neighbouring
gentlemen, the representatives I may call them of the two great interests
of this country — the Agricultural and Commercial Classes — assembled
to raise a splendid structure for the administration of justice. It is not,
indeed, that any building, however beautiful we may found or you erect
can add to the majesty of the law, — No, Gentlemen, the law in this
country requires not the aid of external decoration : This building,
however magnificent, can no more add to the majesty of our law than
the splendid temple can add sanctity or purity to the holy religion we
profess ; but it becomes us well in these our latter times to act as the
Greeks and Romans did in their earliest ages : We should take care
that the casket should be fitted to the jewel it contains, that our public
buildings are worthy of the purpose to which they are devoted ; and we
should not permit them to remain monuments of our sordid neglect,
while we lavish the richest treasures of architectural art on edifices set
apart for private luxury. And in an especial manner, I congratulate
you upon the extended provision made for the classification and con-
finement of prisoners ; we look back with feelings of pain and dis-
gust upon what was the condition of Jails only a few years ago,^— dens
into which all were huddled together, male and female, young and old,
the unfortunate debtor and the hardened offender, the untried, and
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 215
(therefore, it is to be presumed, innocent prisoner,) the condemned, and
(therefore, it is to be presumed,) guilty malefactor. These were places
into which none could enter, however pure, without the risk, nay,
almost the certainty of coming out contaminated.
" But now. Gentlemen, amongst other great changes which have
taken place with the progress of humanity and civilization, such a state
of discipline and classification can no longer be tolerated in our prisons.
If, in such a county as this, great has been the progress of agriculture and
the extension of manufactures, if there has been an increase of population
and an accumulation of wealth, it is unhappily true, that with that in-
crease of wealth and population there has been also an increase of crime;
and yet we do trust and believe that crime has not increased in the same
ratio, and that its &tal progress has been counteracted by the blessing of
God, which has been poured out on this our native land in its system of
moral and religious education. New jails are required, and are erecting
everywhere in this country, but more for the purpose of separating and
classifying the criminals than from an increase of crime; and we
hope that this building, of wh^ch we have to-day laid the Foundation,
will rather furnish cells for penitence than dungeons for punishment
That this may prove the case much will depend, Gentlemen of the
Magistracy, on your careful superintendence, and on the co-K)peration of
the Ministers of the Gospel ; and we trust that many may come out
from its walls rejoicing in the words of the Boyal Psalmist '' It was
good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Statutes,
OLord!"
" Right Worshipful Brethren and Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge,
in the name of the Most Noble the Grand Master, I return you thanks
for the cordial co-operation and support you have given to his dele-
gate : Brethren of the different Lodges present, in the name of the
Most Worshipful Grand Master and the Right Worshipful Office-
bearers of the Grand Lodge, I thank you for your numerous attendance,
your Brotherly assistance, and the splendid appearance you have made
this day, which I shall duly report to the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master. And in an especial manner to you Mr Provost, Mr Sheriff, and
Gentlemen, in the name of the Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge and
the Craft in general, I thank you for the opportunity you have afforded
us of exercising the mysteries of our ancient craft, for the indulgence
you have extended to us, and the gracious manner in which you have
received us. Trusting that the work has been executed to your entire
satisfaction, respectfully we bid you farewell"
To this Address the Provost of Lanark, on behalf of himself, the
Magistrates, and Commissioners, made a suitable reply, in the course of
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216 TAB &I8T0RT OF ^EB MA0ONBY.
which he thanked the Sabstitnte Grand Master and Brethren for the
honour conferred upon them on the present occasion^ and for the very
efficient manner in which the ceremony had been performed, and
conoladed by saying, that as the work had commenced under the
most fayourable circomstances, he implored the Great Architect, who
overrules all things^ to accompany it with His Blessing ; and that
the best wish for its prosperity and that of the county would be, that
that portion intended for the unfortunate would long stand unoo«
cupied^
On the 15th August the ceremony of placing the Key-stone of the
last Arch of the New Bridge across the Tweed, at Peebles, was perform-
ed by Sir John Hay, Bart., Substitute Grand Master and Provincial
Grand Master for Peebles and Selkirkshires, accompanied by the Pro-
vincial Grand Lodge, the Grand Secretary, and Grand Clerk, and attended
by nearly 300 Brethren. The Provincial Grand Lodge having been
opened in presence of the Right Worshipful Master and Wardens of the
Lodge Peebles Kilwinning and the Office-bearers of the attending
Lodges, the Brethren proceeded to the Parish Church, where the Grand
Chaplain preached an impressive discourse from Hebrews, chapter xiii,
verse 1st ; after which a procession was formed, and proceeded through
tarious parts of the town, ultimately arriving at the Keynstone, where
the ceremonial was proceeded with to the satisfaction of the Craft and
the admiration of a great number of spectators.
1834 December 1. His Majesty King William IV, Patron^
The Most Noble William Alexander Anthony Archibald, Marquess of
Douglas and Clydesdale, was re-elected Grand Master, and the Right
Honourable Alexander Edward, Viscount Fincastle, chosen Grand
Master Elect. The Rev. Alexander Stewart of Douglas was eleoted
Grand Chaplain.
The Festival of St Andrew was celebrated in the evening, the Substi-
tute Grand Master presiding, i
On the dd August 1829 a Committee was appointed to examine,
arrange, and digest the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge.
After a great deal of labour, extending over a period of several years, a
printed copy of the new Laws, and a Report by said Committee, was
^ [As the Festivals were celebrated from this period henceforward, either by
a dinner or a meeting on a larger scale in the evening, to avoid uDnecessarj re-
petition vre shall in fature take notice only of those which were distinguished by
some particalar occurrence. This rule has been carried out in a great measure
in the preceding pages^ in order that the Work may not be loaded with matter
In no way cither remarkable or interesting to the Brethren. — E.]
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Tb& ttlSllORY O^ FR£E kAS(>MRV. 21 7
laid before an adjourned Qnarterlj Communication on 9th NovembeiT
1835. Tbe Report stated that it might not be improper to remind the
Brethren that the Laws now to be promulgated are not a set of new
Regulations to be brought all at once and for the first time into opera-
tion, but, on the contrary, are a digest for the most part of such laws
and usages as were previously in existence, and had been enacted and
enjoined by the Grand Lodge from time to time, according as particular
circumstances called for their adoption. That they had been compiled
with great labour from the original Records of the Grand Lodge, and
afterwards carefully amended and arranged by a Committee specially
appointed for that purpose, and had only attained their present shape
after being submitted to the various subordinate Lodges for their consi-
deration and appro val> and receiving the fullest discussion before a Com-
mittee of the whole Grand Lodge in regard to their minutest details ;
such additions and amendments as they had received in passing this Com-
mittee had been adopted after much deliberation, and with the view of
bringing the different Laws into greater harmony with each other,— «f
rendering them more simple and efficient in their operation, and of thus
conducing, as far as practicable, to the general stability and dignity of
the Craft. In accordance with a recommendation contained in the
Report, these Statutes were sanctioned at this meeting, and promul-^
gated to the Brethren, and served as the standard by which the Grand
Lodge and her Daughter Lodges were governed until 1848, when
another revision became necessary, which will be noticed in the proper
place, infra.
1835. November 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patron. The
Right Honourable Alexander Edward^ Viscount Fincastle, was elected
Grand Master.
In conformity with a suggestion made by Sir John Hay at the celebra-
tion of the Festival of St Andrew, the Grand Lodge visited the Theatre-
Royal on the 23d February 1836, presided over by the Right Honour-
able and Right Worshipful Lord Ramsay, Depute Grand Master, accom-
panied by a number of distinguished Brethren, and by the following
Edinburgh Lodges, with their respective Masters and Wardens in their
jewels and clothing, viz., the Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel;
Canongate Kilwinning ; Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canongate ;
Journeymen; St David ; St Luke; St Andrew ; St James; St Stephen;
Defensive Band ; Roman Eagle ; Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d May, the Grand Lodge
authorised the transference of the Lodge " Navigation," from the Village
of Monkton to the sea-port town of Troon, Ayrshire.
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218 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
At the Quarterly Gommanication on 1st August, Sir Thomas Diok-
Lander moved a Congratabitoiy Address to His Royal Highness
Frederick, Duke of Snssex, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of
England, on the success of the operation for the recoyery of His Royal
Highnesses sight; which motion was unanimously agreed to, and a
Committee appointed to prepare and forward the said Address accord-
ingly ; which was graciously acknowledged hy His Royal Highness.
It was reported to this meeting that Sir John Hay, Substitute Grand
Master, accompanied by Sir Reginald Macdonald Stewart Seton, Bart.,
and the Grand Secretary, had, conformably to a Resolution passed at last
Quarterly Communication, proceeded to Kensington Palace and pre-
sented an elegantly bound copy of the Laws to His Royal Highness the
Duke of Sussex, through the medium of the Depute Grand Master of
England, Lord H. John Spencer Churchill, who had been appointed to
receive the same on account of the indisposition of His Royal Highness.
The deputation also waited upon His Grace the Duke of Leinster, Most
Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Ireland, for the like purpose,
who was also pleased to receive the compliment in the most gracious
manner.
The Lodge St Cuthbert, Barnard Castle, Durham Militia, having been
constituted at Auchtermuchty by a warrant of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland in February 1813, on the disbanding of the Militia the
members of the Lodge resident in Barnard Castle, the original head-
quarters of the regiment, continued to meet there under the Scotch
Charter till 12th March 1825, when they applied for and received a
Charter from the Grand Lodge of England, under which they continued
to act until 1836, when several of the members wishing to resume their
Charter from Scotland, desired inter alia to be informed as to the man^
ner in which they could legally assume and act under it. This Com-
munication being laid before the Grand Lodge, the Grand Secretary
was instructed to state in reply, that having renounced the Charter from
the Grand Lodge of Scotland and obtained one from the Grand Lodge of
England, and the Lodge St Cuthbert, Barnard Castle, being now perma-
nently settled in Durham, it cannot resume the Charter granted by this
Grand Lodge, it being a matter settled between the two Grand Lodges
that neither of them grant Charters for Lodges to be held in each other's
jurisdiction.'
^ [The same understanding exists between the Grand Lodge of Scotland and
the sister Grand Lodge of Ireland. — E.]
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THE HI8T0RY OF FREE MASONRY. 219
CHAPTER XIL
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGHB OF SCOTLAND, FROM
NOTEMBER 1836 TO IfOTBMBER 1843.
1836. NoTBMBER 30. His Majesty King William IV, Patron. The
Rigbt Honourable James Andrew, Lord Ramsay, was elected Grand
Master; Admiral Sir David Milne of Milnegraden, K.C.B., was ap-
pointed Provincial Grand Master for Berwickshire ; and Brother
Robert Gilfillan, was elected Bard- Laureate.
The Grand Master stated that Brother James Bumes, K.H., LL.D.,
&c,, of the Honourable East India Company's Service, was about to
return to India, and as he thought that the superior information and
knowledge in Masonry possessed by Brother Bumes would be of the
utmost importance in promoting the usefulness of the Craft in that
quarter of the globe, he begged to propose that he be appointed Provin-
cial Grand Master over the Provinces of Western India and depend-
encies,^ with authority to establish Lodges in these Provinces; which
nomination and appointment was onanimouly approved of, under this
express condition, that all the Lodges to be established by Brother
Bumes shall take their Charters of Constitution from, and hold under the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, and shall undertake to make annual returns
of their Intrants, and remit at the same time the Grand Lodge dues for
recording their names in the Books of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Election being over, the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master stated'that as the Grand Lodge of Scotland had now completed
the First Centenary of her existence, it had been resolved at the
Quarterly Communication in August last to celebrate the event in a
manner worthy the occasion and the dignity of the Craft ; and as the
Committee entrusted with the arrangements had fixed upon having a
torch-light procession, he would now proceed to close the Lodge until the
hour of assembly mentioned in the Regulations, to which he hoped all
would endeavour to give prompt obedience.
^ [By a subsequent patent, Brother Burnes was appointed Grand Master of
Scottish Free Masons in India.— E.]
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220 TBB filSTOBT OF FRSB MASONRY.
In the evening the Lodges assembled in the sqnare of the Royal
£xchange ; and the Grand Master and other Grand Office-bearers
having met in the Council-Chamber^ joined the Brethren in the square,
from whence they moved off at the head of the procession^ which ex-
tended from the Royal Exchange to a considerable way along the
North Bridge. The Band of the Queen^s Royal Lancers preceded the
Grand Officers, — ^the Band of the 42d Highlanders, and various other
Bands, accompanied different Lodges. The line of the procession was
maintained by 400 torch-bearers, and a strong body of Police. The
streets and windows of the houses which the procession passed were
crowded with a dense mass of spectators. In front of the Theatre,
Brother Murray, the Manager, exhibited a brilliantly illuminated Star,
and as the procession advanced up Waterloo Place, blue lights and
rockets were discharged from the Calton Hill. On reaching the Water-
loo Hotel, the Grand Officers and Brethren passed into the Great Hall,
which was beautifully fitted up for the occasion. A canopy of crimson
velvet overhung the Grand Master's Throne ; on the wall opposite was
the picture of St Clair of Rosslyn, belonging to the Canongate Kilwin«
ning Lodge, with *' St C, ** the initials of his name, in variegated lamps;
and in another part of the room the letter " R " was exhibited in the
same manner, in honour of the Grand Master.
Nearly one thousand Brethren assembled in the Hall, many of them
wearing the Medal struck in commemoration of this Centenary Festival.
The Grand Master took the Chair, supported by the Earl of Budian, Sir
Reginald Macdonald Stewart Seton of Staffa, Bart., Sir D. Campbell of
Dunstaffnage, Bart., Admiral Sir David Milne, K.C.B., Sir Patrick Walker
of Coates, Knt, W. F. Mackenzie of Portmore, Esq., J. Burnes, K.H.,
Provincial Grand Master of the Provinces of Western India^ Colonel
Wright, R. E., the Hon. J. St Clair, &c. The following Edinburgh
Lodges were present, numerouslyattended by their respective members : —
Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, ... R. W. M. Br. Graham.
Canongate Kilwinning, M'Neil.
Journeymen, Edinburgh, Deans.
St David, Capt. Boswall.
St Luke, Richardson.
St Andrew, M'GilL
St James, Rutherford.
St Stephen, Gentle.
Defensive Band, Anderson.
Roman Eagle, Marshall.
Portobello, Douglas.
Celtic, Edinburgh and Leitfa, Leon.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 221
Besides a very full attendance of Proxies with their Wardens, the
following Lodges from the country, with large Deputations, were also
present : —
Dnnblane. Dunbar Castle.
Dalkeith Kilwinning. Royal Arch, Stirling.
Torphichen, Bathgate. St Andrew, Crail.
St John, Lesmahagow. Thistle, Glasgow.
Peebles Kilwinning. St Cyre, Auchtermuchty.
Kilmarnock. Royal Arch, Perth.
Dunfermline. St Patrick, Glasgow.
St Mungo, Glasgow. St Andrew, Cumbernauld.
Ancient, Stirling. St Andrew, Newton-Ayr.
Aitchison*s Haven. Forfar and Kincardine, Dundee.
Ancient, Dundee. St Andrew, 42d Regiment.
St John Kilwinning, Haddington. Hibernia, 42d Regiment.
Doric Kilwinning, Port-Glasgow. Union, Dunfermline.
St John, Alloa. Thistle and Shamrock, Glasgow.
Kirkaldy. Clydesdale, Lanark.
Thistle and Rose, Glasgow. Duntocher and Faifley Union,
St Andrew, Perth. Glasgow.
As soon as the Brethren had taken their proper places^ the Grand
Master gave the nsual Loyal and Masonic Toasts, which were receiv-
ed with every demonstration of Masonic respect. In proposing the
immortal Memory of St Glair of Rosslyn, the Grand Master, in an
eloquent address, entered into a minute history of the life of that great
and good Mason, explaining how the hereditary office of Grand Mas-
ter had been conferred upon the family of St Clair, and enjoyed by
a long line of illustrious members of that House, until William St
Clair, for the pure love which he had for the Brethren, and for the
welfare of the Craft, resigned his high hereditary office into the hands
of the Brethren of the Scottish Fraternity, exhibiting, in his conduct, an
example worthy of every Brother. After proposing the Sister Grand
Lodges of England and Ireland, and giving as many other toasts as the
time would permit, his Lordship closed the Grand Lodge at high Twelve,
—the evening having been spent in a manner highly gratifying to the
Assembled Brethren, and appropriate to a day which will long be
memorable in the Annals of Scottish Masonry.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th February 1837 it was ordered
that, in consideration of the friendly and truly Masonic feeling which
happily exists between this Grand Lodge and the Sister Grand Lodges
of England and Ireland, one of the gold Medals lately struck in honour
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222 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of the Centenary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, be presented to each
of the Most Worshipful the Grand Masters of England and Ireland ;
and the duty of presenting these tokens of fraternal regard having been
deputed to Brother Burnes, K. H., he subsequently reported that the
same had been presented to and duly appreciated by His Royal High-
ness the Duke of Sussex and His Grace the Duke of Leinster.
A Representation from Mother Kilwinning Lodge anent Intrant Fees
having been remitted on 2d May 1836 to the Grand Committee at the
suggestion of their Proxy Master, the said Committee, after due delibera-
tion, reported on 25th July of that year to the following effect : —
** The Committee, having considered the representation from the Lodge
Mother Kilwinning, with the original Agreement, and Minutes in relation
thereto, Find, that it clearly appears to have been the intention of the
contracting parties not to fix the sum of Two Shillings and Sixpence as
that which should in all time coming be paid for each Intrant of the
Mother Lodge, while her Daughter Lodges were to be subject to any
changes which the interests of Masonry might require, but to make a
small deduction in favour of Mother Kilwinning from the rates payable
by all other Lodges :
" Find, that the difference at the time was a deduction of the Grand
Clerk's fee for recording, being the sum of Threepence for each Intrant;
and, allowing a corresponding deduction of the fees now payable to the
Grand Secretary and Grand Clerk, amounting to One Shilling, the
Committee beg to report their opinion that the fee payable to the Grand
Lodge by the Mother Kilwinning Lodge for each Intrant should now
be Four Shillings and Sixpence."
The consideration of this Report having been repeatedly postponed
at the desire of the Representative of the Mother Kilwinning Lodge,
was, with his concurrence, brought before the Grand Lodge at the
Quarterly Communication on Ist May 1837, when, after mature de-
liberation, it was moved and unanimously carried that the same should
be approved of, and the Grand Lodge thereby approved of the same
accordingly. The attention of the Grand Lodge being again called to
this subject, it was declared at the Quarterly Communication on 6th
May 1839, '' that that matter had been definitively disposed of by the
deliverance of the Grand Lodge on 1st May 1837.*'
At a Special Meeting of the Grand Lodge on 1st July, called by order
of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the following loyal Address
of Condolence and Congratulation was moved by his Lordship, seconded
by the Right Honourable the Earl of Buchan, and unanimously agreed
tor-
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the history of freb masonry. 223
"Unto The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty.
" May it please your Majesty.
" We, your Majesty's dutiful aud loyal subjects, James Andrew,
Lord Ramsay, Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Ancient
Order of St John's Maisonry for Scotland, &c., &c., in the name, and on
behalf of the Free Masons of Scotland, beg leave to approach your
Majesty with the expression of our most sincere condolence on the
mournful bereavement which your Majesty and the Empire have
suffered by the demise of our late revered Monarch, William the Fourth,
who was the Illustrious Patron of our Ancient Order.
" At the same time we have much gratification in offering to your
Majesty our hearty congratulations upon your Majesty's accession to the
Throne of your Royal Ancestors; having the fullest assurance, from your
Majesty's eminent virtues and qualifications, that the Sceptre of this
mighty Empire has descended to a Princess who will wield it for her
own honour, and for the glory and happiness of a loyal, a free, and a
faithful people.
"We would earnestly, but humbly implore the Great Architect of
the Universe, in whom alone we put our trust, to shower down upon
your Majesty His divine and everlasting blessing ; and that your
Majesty may have a long, a happy, and a prosperous reign, is the heart-
felt wish of the Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland.
" Signed in name, and by appointment of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, in Grand Lodge assembled, at Free Masons' Hall,
in the City of Edinburgh, this 1st day of July, in the year
of our Lord 1837, and of Light 5837.
" Ramsay, Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
" Wm. a. Laurie, Grand Secretary.
" Ja. Bartram, Grand Clerk.'*
The foregoing Address was presented to Her Majesty the Queen at the
first Levee after Her accession to the Throne, by a Deputation appointed
for that purpose, who were received in the most gracious manner.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th August, the Substitute
Grand Master, in intimating the death of Brother Bartram, who had so
ably filled the office of Grand Clerk for the long period of forty years,
plronounced a high eulogium upon the many amiable qualities which
adorned the character of that worthy Brother.
On the dtst October, the Grand Lodge, presided over by the Right
Honourable Lord Ramsay, Grand Master, attended the Funeral Lodge
held in Free Masons' Hall under the auspices of the Lodge St David,
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224 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY*
Edinburgh, in honour of the memory of their Right Worshipful Master,
Sir Patrick Walker of Coates, Knight, Heritable Usher of the White
Rod, and Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Scotland ; on which
occasion an Oration was delivered by Brother George Macdonald, Sub-
stitute Master of St David's Lodge, from which we give the following
extract, as it embodies an epitome of the career of an estimable man and
a worthy Mason : —
*' On the present occasion, my Brethren^ one object of our assembling
is to do honour to the memory of a deceased Brother, who, while yet
amongst us, received and deserved the homage of our respect and affec-
tion. But we ought not to forget that such exercises are not for the
benefit of the dead but of the living. ' It is better to go to the house of
mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all
men, and the living will lay it to his heart.' There is much in the
pomp and circumstance of woe accompanying this celebration, which, if
not new to us, is at least unusual, and which is on that account, as well
as on many others, well fitted to recall our vagrant attention, and to ^x
it for a little on the common and melancholy, but wholesome considera-
tion, that we are mortal creatures. Look on that vacant chair, — the form
that filled it now slumbering in the sepulchre, while the immortal spirit
by which that form was animated has returned ' unto God who gave
it.' Look on 4;he symbols of Masonic power, and the other mystic
emblems of our Order, that so oft have shed a glory on our nights of
festive mirth, now covered with the signals of distress. Listen to the
solemn songs chanted by that Choral Band, and look around on the
assembled Brotherhood clad in the uniform of the King of Terrors. If
all this combination of circumstances, so unusual in our Masonic
Assemblies, shall conduce to serious thought, — shall lead us to think of
what we are, and inquire what we ought to be, — ^shall in any degree
abate the ardour of our pursuit after the perishing things of this transi-
tory world, and enable us to form a less erroneous estimate of their value
and importance, we shall not this evening have assembled in vain.
" But there is another exercise befitting the present occasion, at once
honourable to the memory of the dead and instructive to the living.
While we mourn the loss of our Right Worshipful Master and
Brother, it would be useful if we could recount the many esti-
mable qualities for which he was distinguished, and hold them up to
imitation. Sir Patrick Walker was a bright example of a patriotic
and public-spirited citizen. Inheriting a fortune which placed him
above the necessity of exercising the honourable profession of the Law,
to which he was bred, he gratuitously dedicated a large portion of the
energies of a life approaching the boundaries of advanced age, to the
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 225
seryice of the public. At an early period of his career, when the tran*
quillitj of the Empire was threatened both by foreign and domestic foes,
he enrolled his name in the Horse and Artillery Corps, as a voluntary
defender of his Country. He afterwards joined the Militia, in which he
held the Commission of Lieutenant^Colonel. Nor did his military enthu-
siasm stop here ; for at the close of that disiustrous warfare, which for a
quarter of a century deluged the Continent with blood, and endangered
in turn the existence of almost every kingdom of Europe, obtaining
passports, he placed himself on the Field of Waterloo, — ^was present
during the decisive battle fought on that memorable arena, and entered
Paris with the Allied Armies. Europe, like an exhausted giant, now
sunk into repose, and returning to his native country. Sir Patrick, during
the remainder of his useful life, may be said literally to have made the
service of the Public his profession ; and perhaps no professional gentle-
man in Edinburgh had his time more fully occupied with business, or
proceeded to the dispatch of it with more systematic regularity. His
services as a County Magistrate are well known to have been great
and valuable : He spared no pains in investigating the causes brought
before him ; and, when the ends of public justice would permit, he ever
leaned to the side of the weak and the oppressed. Of the Highland and
Agricultural Society of Scotland be was an indefatigable member, and
was generally among the number of its Directors, or invested with some
other important office. He was one of the originators of the Scottish
Naval and Military Academy, and continued to the last warmly attached
to that Institution, — ^not only dedicating a large portion of his time to
its advancement, but contributing many of the arms and colours which
now decorate its hall. Among the many Charitable Institutions with
which Edinburgh abounds, there were few indeed of which Sir Patrick
Walker was not an active and zealous member. He also belonged to
many Literary and Scientific Societies, and was particularly distinguished
in the Society of Antiquaries, the Royal Scottish Society of Arts, and
the Wernerian Natural History Society. He was also a great promoter
of the Fine Arts, and held the office of Treasurer in the New Assoda^
tion for the Encouragement of Artists. In matters more exclusively
connected with Edinburgh, Sir Patrick took so warm and practical an
interest that to enumerate the various services he performed to the Public
in the multiform capacities in which he acted, particularly as a Commis-
sioner of Improvements, and as a Road Trustee for the Middle District of
the county, would require a length and minuteness of detail that might be
deemed inconsistent with our present purpose. But this at least may
be said, and I believe I speak in the hearing of some whose more inti*
mate knowledge of the facts of the case is in full accordance with my
15
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
statement, that the inhabitants of Edinburgh enjoy at this moment
many important immnnities, comforts, and conTeniences, for which they
are indebted to the public spirit, zeal, and unwearied exertions of our
lamented Brother.
^' In speaking of Sir Patrick as a Free Mason, I will not long oc-cupy
your time. Fortunately for me you all knew and respected him in
that capacity. His great loye of Antiquarian lore would of itself, we
may suppose, naturally lead him to seek, admission into an Order boast-
ing a connection with the remotest antiquity. He was initiated in the
Lodge St David, Edinburgh, on the 29th of November 1813, and on
the 27th of December of the same year was appointed Depute-Mast^r.
In 1821 he was appointed Bight Worshipful Master. In December
1885 he was again called to the Chair which his death has now left
vacant. His death has also left vacant the chair of Junior Warden in
the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In the meantime, he had become connected
with certain other Orders of Masonry, and was to the last a zealous and
distinguished member of the Order of the Royal Arch. In the histoiy
of our distinguished Brother's Masonic career there is one remarkable
circumstance, that his enthusiasm in the cause of the Order never
seems to have suffered the least abatement ; and, unlike many of our
Brethren, who, as they advance in life recede from Masonry, his
Masonic zeal seemed confirmed and increased with the growing stability
of his habits and the increase of his years.
" I have hitherto spoken of Sir Patrick only as a public character.
In his private capacity he was an accomplished scholar, and distinguish-
ed for his general information and scientific attainments; in Antiquities
and Natural History in particular, it is admitted that he had few equals
amongst his cotemporaries, and he has left behind him a monument of
his research in one of the most splendid entomological cabinets to be
found in the possession of a private collector.
" Sir Patrick was no less remarkable for the amiable natural qualities
of his heart He seemed to carry about with him, for daily and hourly
use, the benign and philanthropic spirit of Free Masonry. His nature was
gentle, modest, and unassuming. His manner affable to all, and kind and
condescending to the humblest individual. Every man around him found,
or might have found in him, a friend, — every Free Mason, in truth, a
Brother.
" My Brethren, in this imperfect sketch of the public and private
character of our departed Master, I have not affected the language of
panegyric. I have endeavoured to tell a plain unvarnished tale, which
those Brethren present, best able to judge, will I hope admit to be
consistent with truth. But why am I asked to recount in your hearing
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THE HISTORY OF FREE BIASONRY. 227
those many estimable qualities by which he was distinguished 9 He is
now utterly unconscious either of our censure or our praise. But the
liying may profit by his example. The desire of posthumous fame is
natural to the human hearty and^ like all our other natural feelings^ is
implanted in us for wise purposes by the Great Author of our existence.
As we then desire to be remembered with honour when we too shall
have passed away, let us imitate our departed Brother in all those praise-
worthy qualities which we have been considering ; let us each, in his
sphere, endeavour to add something to the general stock of social happi-
ness, and thereby render this world of misery somewhat less miserable.
" But there are greater and more important lessons which this melan-
choly celebration recalls to remembrance. I haye said that the unusual
circumstances under which we are now assembled, and the unaccustom-
ed forms of woe by which we are surrounded, are well fitted by their
novelty to fix our attention on that much neglected but awfully import-
ant fact, that we ourselves are mortal creatures. But is it wise in man
to anticipate a doom which he can by no stratagem avoid f Is it wise,
since he must die, to die in imagination before his time ? Is it wise to
avert his attention from the natural enjoyments of life to fix it on that
dismal period when death shall deprive him of them allf Yes, my
Brethren, it is indeed wise, else what is the meaning of such words as
these in the Book of God — ' So teach us to number our days that we
may apply our hearts unto wisdom/ * 0 ! that they were wise, that they
understood this, that they would consider their latter end.' The doctrine
of man's ultimate immortality, which, to the heathen philosophers of
antiquity appeared as a mere conjectural possibility, is now revealed :
' Life and immortality are brought to light.' In that Book, the God
that made man hath unfolded to him the awful truth not only that ' it
is appointed unto all men once to die,' but that ' after death cometh
the judgment.' '*
The Lodge Caledonia, Grenada^ having inquired whether emanci-
pated slaves could be admitted to the privileges of Free Masonry, the
Grand Lodge, after due consideration of the question, decreed, at the
Quarterly Communication on the Idth November, " That by the term
' free bom,' is meant a person free at the time of his application for ad-
mission into a Lodge, being then his own master, and capable of govern-
ing his own time and actions;" which interpretation is also adopted by
the Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Orient of France.
At this meeting Brother the Honourable William Stephenson was
appointed Provincial Grand Master of the West India Islands and
dependencies thereunto belonging.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
1837. November 30. The Rigbt Honourable James Andrew, Lord
Ramsay, was re-elected Grand Master, and tbe Right Honourable Wil-
liam, Viscount Stormont, chosen Grand Master Elect. Brother John
Maitland having been elected Grand Clerk by a large majority on the
20th November, and duly installed into office, was again nominated
and unanimously elected. The Festival of St Andrew was celebrated
in the evening, the Right Worshipful Sir Thomas Dick-Lander, Bart.^
of Fountainhall and Grange, presiding.^
^ [During the evening Brother Robert Gilfillan, Grand Bard, delighted the
Brethren by singing, to the Tune of the " Meeting of the Waters," the follow-
ing beautiful Verses^ composed by himself for the occasion : —
** Again let us welcome this blithe happy day,
That true Scottish Masons will honour for aye ;
And though from their country our Brothers may roam.
This day will awaken up kindred and home.
Oh ! this day will awaken up kindred and home.
*< And where is the desert or surf -beaten shore
Not travers'd by Brothers, — we fondly adore ;
Though absent afar, yet their heart we may claim.
For absent or present, they're ever the same !
For absent or present, they're ever the same !
^ As far as St LAwrence rolls mighty and deep,
To where the blue waves of the bright Ganges sleep,
'Mong the fair groves of It'ly, or bleak Zembla's snow,
' St Andrew ' and ' Scotland,' in bumpers shall flow !
< St Andrew ' and ' Scotland,' in bumpers shall flow I
** Hail I Land of our fathers,— of mountain and glen,
Of soft blooming Maidens, and true-hearted Men,
Oh I long may thy Thistle a dear emblem be.
Of Liberty's birth-place, the home of the free !
Of Liberty's birth-place, the home of the free !
** And ne'er did the Thistle — ^fond type of the brave.
More flourish in splendour — or more proudly wave
W ith bosom of purple, and leaves ever green.
Than now when it blossoms for Scotland's Fair Queen 1
Than now when it blossoms for Scotland's Fair Queen I
" Victoria ! High Princess I Oh, where is the band,
Through all thy dominions — the length of the land,
In devotion more deep— or in service more free,
Than the Masons of Scotland are, lov'd Queen, to thee I
Than the Masons of Scotland are, lov'd Queen, to thee I *'
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THE HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY. 229
At the Quarterly Commanication on 14th May 1838, a Report was
read from the Right Worshipful Brother James Barnes, K.H., intimating
that he had duly constituted a Provincial Grand Lodge (under the
Scottish Jurisdiction,) for the Western Provinces of British India,
and giving an animated and cheering account of his prospects of success.
The thanks of the Grand Lodge were unanimously voted to Brother
Bumes for the ardent zeal which he has shewn in the cause of Masonry^
and for the deep interest which he takes in promoting the interest of the
Scottish Craft within his Province.
It was moved, and unanimously agreed to at this meeting that Repre-
sentatives should he appointed from the respective Grand Lodges of
Scotland, England, and Ireland, for the purpose of maintaining more
closely the fraternal feeling which exists between the said Grand Lodges.
A commanication having been received from the Provincial Grand
Master of the West India Islands, requesting a dispensation to work the
Mark Mason degree, the Grand Lodge, at the Quarterly Communication on
1 2th November declined to sanction the issue of a dispensation of that
kind, inasmuch as it is enacted in her Laws, Chapter i, section 4, that
" The Grand Lodge of Scotland practises and recognises no degrees of
Masonry but those of Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master Mason,
denominated St John's Masonry ;*' and farther. Chapter xix. Section 1,
" All Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland are strictly
prohibited and discharged from holding any other Meeting than those
of the three Orders of Apprentice, Fellow-Crafty aud Master Masons,
denominated St John's Masonry, and from giving any countenance, as
a body, to any other Order of Masonry," &c. ^
A letter was read at this meeting from Sir John Hay, Bart., the Right
Worshipful Substitute Grand Master, resigning his office on account of
the state of his health ; in accepting this resignation the Grand Lodge
expressed their deep regret at thus losing the valuable services of Sir
John Hay, to whom the cordial thanks of the Brethren were ordered to be
transmitted, with the expression of their sincere sympathy for the cause
which had forced him to retire.'
The Obituary of this year contained the names of Brothers John Mofiat,
twenty-eight years Grand Marsha], and George Buchanan, upwards of
thirty years Grand Tyler to the Grand Lodge.
The thanks of the Grand Lodge were unanimously accorded to the
Right Worshipful the Grand Master for the benefits he had conferred
* [The above form Chapter ii, section 1, and Chapter xxi, section 1, of the
latest edition of the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge, 1848.— £.]
^ [Sir John Hay died at Rome on the l8t November 1838.— E.]
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230 THE HISTOBY OF FREE HASONBY.
npon the Craft daring the period be had filled the high office of Grand
Master Mason of Scotland.
1838. November 80. The Bight Honourable Sir James Forrest of
Comiston, Bart, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, was elected
(Irand Master; Sir Thomas Dick-Lander, Bart., of Fountainhail and
Grange, Substitute Grand Master ; and William Forbes Mackenzie, of
Portmore, Esq., M.P., was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the
Province of Peebles and Selkirk, in room of Sir John Haj, Bart.,
deceased.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master in alluding to the recent
death of Sir John Hay, the late Substitute Grand Master, pronounced
a well-merited euloginm upon the character and virtues of that most
amiable and truly excellent Brother, who for a period of nearly eleven
years discharged the duties of his office with a kindliness of feeling and
urbanity of manner which guned for him the respect and affectionate
regard of all the Brethren.
At the Quarterly Communication on 4th February 1839, the foUow-
ing Address of Condolence was voted to Lady Hay, and the same
having been presented, was most courteously acknowledged . by her
Ladyship : —
" To Dame Anne Preston, Lady Hay, Widow of the late Sir
John Hay of Smithfield and Hayston, Baronet.
'' We, the Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of Comiston, Baronet,
Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Grand Master Mason of Scot-
land, the Right Honourable James, Earl of Dalhousie, Past Grand
Master, the Right Honourable George, Earl of Rothes, Depute Grand
Master, Sir Thomas Dick-Lander of Fountainhail, Substitute Grand
Master, and remanent. Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, for
ourselves, and in name and on behalf of the other membera of the Grand
Lodge, beg leave to offer our most sincere sympathy and condolence
upon the death of your Ladyship's most amiable and much lamented
husband Sir John Hay.
''Sir John held among us the high office of Substitute Grand Master
for a period of upwards of ten years ; and amidst our regret for his loss
we have the pleasing duty of recording our willing testimony that he
discharged the duties of his office with so much consideration and kind-
ness as to secure for him the respect and affectionate regard of every
member of the Grand Lodge. We are unwilling to intrude upon your
grief ; but we venture to hope that the expression of our veneration and
esteem for our departed Brother will find favour in the eyes of your
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 231
Ladyship, of whom we hare often heard him speak in tenns of the most
devoted attachment
" May the Almighty Architect of the Universe, from Whom alone
flows all consolation, ponr down npon yonr Ladyship His eternal bless*
ing, and grant yon strength and resignation to endnre the severe dis-
pensation with which you have been visited.
" Signed in name and by appointment of the Office-bearers of the
Grand Lodge, in Grand Lodge assembled, this 4th day of
Febrnaiy 1839.
« Wm. a. Laitrie, Secretary, Grand Lodge of Scotland.
" J. Maitland, Grand Clerk,*'
On the 23d of May (the Birth-day of Her Majesty) the Foundation-
stone of the Mariners' Chnrch and School in North Leith was laid with
the usual Masonic ceremony by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master,
assisted by the Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge, supported by most
of the Lodges in the Edinburgh District, and attended by the Magis-
trates and Ministers of Leith, the Office-bearers of the Edinburgh and
Leith Seamen^s Friend Society, the Shipowners and Members of the
Trinity House, the Office-bearers of the Trades of Leith, and the Seamen
and Carpenters of Leith.^
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th August, in answer to a
question put at the last meeting of the Grand Lodge, as to the prece-
dence of a Past Master^ the Grand Lodge, referring to her Laws and
Constitutions, and to the strict usages of Masonry, declared ''That the Past
Master of a Lodge is the Senior Office-bearer next the Master, and as
such, is entitled to precedence on all occasions ;" and enacted '' That all
Lodges holding under the Grand Lodge shall act in conformity with
this declaration."
In the course of the year the Grand Master, attended by the Grand
Office-bearers, paid visits to the following Lodges, viz. — St Andrew and
^ [This Chnrch provides for the Seamen of Leith ao Ordained Minister, and
supplies their ships with such Libraries as will enable them profitably to
employ the hours saored to devotional exercises^ which must be spent at sea.
It also provides free seats to all Seamen from other Ports, who have oocasion
to spend their Sabbaths in Leith. The School affords a substantial education
to the Children of Seamen, at a rate suitable to their oircunistances ; the
Children of deceased Seamen are educated at half the nsual feea ; Seamen's
Orphans, and the Children of all seafaring men who have fallen into destitute
circumstances, receive their education gratis. The Buildings, which are com-
modious and handsome, were erected at a cost of L.2,736. — R]
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232 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
St Stephen, Edinburgh, and St John, Portobellb, on which occasions he
expressed himself as highly pleased with the efficient working order in
which he found them.
1839. December 2. The Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of
Comiston, Bart, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, was re-
elected Grand Master, and the Right Honourable George William Erelyn
Leslie, Eafl of Rothes, chosen Grand Master Elect.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th February 1840 a congratu-
latory Address to Her Majesty upon Her Marriage to His Royal High-
ness Prince Albert of Saxe-Goburg and Gotha was unanimously agreed
to, which was subsequently presented to Her Majesty by the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master, and receired by Her Majesty in the most
gracious manner.
At a pro re nata meeting held on the 17th June, an Address, ex-
pressive of the abhorrence in which the Grand Lodge held the recent
attempt to assassinate Her Majesty and His Royal Highness the Prince
Albert, and the heartfelt congratulations of the Masonic portion of Her
subjects on their providential escape from so imminent a danger, was
unanimously assented to, and ordered to be transmitted for presentation.
On Saturday the loth of August, the Foundation-stone of the Metro-
politan Monument to Sir Walter Scott, Bart., was laid in Princes Street
by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, in presence of the Grand
Lodge, the Monument Committee, the Municipal and Military Bodies,
upwards of 1,100 of the Brethren, and an immense assemblage of spec-
tators. This splendid and interesting ceremony, which had been looked
forward to with great anxiety by all classes, took place under the most
favourable circumstances.
The Monument Committee, with the Municipal and Military Autho-
rities, assembled in the Hall of the Royal Institution, where they were
marshalled by Marchmont Herald, assisted by Kintyre Pursuivant,
and proceeded to occupy the gallery erected for them at the site of the
Foundation-stone.
At one o'clock, the Grand Lodge and Brethren assembled in the
quadrangle of the University, and the Grand Lodge having been opened
in ample form by the Grand Master in one of the class-rooms, the pro-
cession moved from the College Square shortly after two o'clock,^ pre-
^ [Previous to the procession leaving the quadrangle, the Right Worshipful
Master and Wardens of the Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, waited upon
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, and in name of the ancient Lodge over
which they presided, presented his Lordship with an elegant silver trowel,
which the Moat Worshipful the Grand Master was pleased to accept, and took
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TtiB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 233
ceded by the band of the Qneeu's Bays,— the band of the 29th Regi-
ment in the rear. Squadrons of the Bays guarded the line of pro-
oession, which had a very giand and imposing appearance^ and iucluded
deputations from all parts of Scotland About three o'clock the pro-
cession having reached the site, the Grand Lodge and Brethren took
their station on the eastern gallery, the Right Honourable the Lord
Provost taking his place in front, as Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
supported by the Earl of Rothes, Depute Grand Master, the Earl of
Stair, Acting Past Grand Master, and the other office-bearers of the
Grand Lodge.
The arrangements having been completed, the band of the 29th
Regiment performed the National Anthem, which was followed by a
royal salute from a party of the Royal Artillery placed immediately
opposite, on the south side of the gardens of Princes Street. Imme-
diately after, the band of the 29th played the Coburg March. Silence
was then ordered, when the Grand Chaplain, the Rev. Alexander Stewart
of Douglas, offered up an eloquent and appropriate prayer.
The ceremony of laying the Foundation-stone then commenced, and
was performed by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master in the usual
Masonic manner, during which the band played with great taste and
solemn expression the Sicilian Mariner's Hymn.
In the Foundation-stone was placed a glass Jar, containing— (1.)
An Almanac for 1840. (2.) Six Edinburgh Newspapers. (3.) Coins
of George IV, William IV, and Queen yictoria. (4.) Copies of
Inscription Plates. (5.) Plans of the City and County of Edinburgh.
(6.) A Medal struck for the occasion. (7.) List of names of Auxiliary
Subscribers.
the opportunity of thanking the Brethren of that Lodge for the uniform kind-
ness be had received from them since hia initiation into the mysteries of light.
This handsome and appropriate gift bore the following inscription : —
To commemorate
The laying the Fonndation-stone of the Monument at Edinburgh,
In honour of The Immortal Scott:
This Trowel,
To be used at the Ceremonial, was presented to
The Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of Comiston, Baronet,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason over all Scotland,
By the Right Worshipful Master, Office-bearers, and Brethren of
The Grand Master's Mother Lodge,
The Ancient Lodge of Edinburgh, No. 1 :
August 15, 1840.— E.]
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234 THB HI8T0BT OP FREB MABONRT.
In the cayity of the stone two plates were also deposited, the first
having engraved thereon the names of the Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland. On the second was the following inscription from
the pen of the late Lord Jeffrej : —
This Graven Plate,
Deposited in the Base of a Votive Buildings
On the fifteenth day of Angost, in the year of Christ 1840,
And never likely to see the light again,
Till all the surrounding structures are crumbled to dust
By the decay of Time, or by Human or Elemental violence^
May then testify to a distant posterity that
His Countrymen began on that day
To raise an Effigy and Architectural Monument
TO THE memory OF SlR WALTER ScOTT, Bart.,
Whose admirable Writings were then allowed
To have given more delight, and suggested better feeling
To a larger class of Readers in every rank of Society,
Than those of any other Author, with the exception of
Shakespeare alone.
And which were therefore thought likely to be remembered
Long after this Act of Gratitude
On the part of the first generation of his Admirers should be forgotten .
He was bom at Edinburgh, 15th August 1771 :
And died at Abbotsford, 21st September 1832.
The Foundation of the Monument was laid by
The Right Honourable Sir James Forrest of Comiston, Bart.,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh, and
Grand Master Mason of Scotland,
The Sub-Committee in charge of the Work being
The Right Honourable Sir William Rae of St Catherines, Bart.;
Sir Thomas Dick- Lauder of Fountainhall, Bart. ; Dr Thomas Hope,
Professor of Chemistry ; George Forbes, Esq. Treasurer ;
Thomas Thomson, Esq. Advocate ; and William Bum, Esq. Architect;
With the aid and advice of
The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melville :
James Skene, Esq. of Rubislaw, Secretary.
George M. Kemp, Architect
John Steell, Sculptor.
IN THE FOURTH YEAR OP THE REIGN OP VICTORIA THE FIRST.
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TDE HISTORY OF FREE MAfiONRY. 235
On the completioii of tlie ceremony the band played the lively air
of " *Ti8 good to be Merry and Wise — ^'tis good to be Honest and True,"
succeeded by three hearty cheers, followed by the " Masons' Anthem,"
and the Grand Honours from the Brethren ; after which the Right Wor«
shipfnl the Grand Master addressed Sir William Rae and the Com-*
mittee as follows : —
" As I hare the honour of being placed at present at the head of the
Order of Free Masonry in Scotland, it has fidlen to my lot to take a part
in the proceedings of this day, and to lay this Foundation-stone. Otiier,
and shall I say, imperishable monuments, which himself has raised, will
no doubt transmit to posterity the fame of Walter Scott. This, how-
ever, which we hope to erect, will record a Nation's admiration and
a Nation's gratitude. Scotland claims him as peculiarly her own. This
city was his birth-place ;' here his youth, here his professional life was
spent ; here was seen the first development of that genius which was
afterwards found capable of such mighty achievements.
" I congratulate you, Sir, and the other gentlemen of the Committee,
on the event of this day. You have at last witnessed the commence-
ment of the work which has been so long the object of your anxiety and
solicitude. By the labour of several years, and the most mature deli-
beration which you could exercise, you have been able to devise the plan
of an edifice, appropriate and noble, — worthy of the occasion, — worthy of
him in whose honour it is to be raised, — ^and worthy of the artist of
whose genius it is the fruit. By your exertions also, such a sum has
been raised as warrants you to begin and carry on the building ; and I
am confident that if more shall be required to complete the original plan
which the architect first suggested, your fellow-countrymen will not be
backward in furnishing the necessary means. The site appears most
suitable, — on one of the greatest thoroughfares, the daily resort of the
population, and surrounded by our romantic localities which his pen has
BO graphically described.'
" To you, Sir, and to many around you, this day will call up many
grateful recollections. You will remember those qualities which formed
him to be the delight of society, and which knit him in lasting bonds of
affection with many tried and fiedthful friends. It would be, I feel, a
presumptuous, as happily it is an unnecessary task, to delineate here the
merits and character of this illustrious man. He threw around his name
a bright lustre, and his country shared in his renown : To Scott and to
Scotland the eyes of the civilised world were directed. Strangers from
all countries visited him when living, and they still look with eager
curiosity at the place of his residence, and view with interest every-
thing connected with his name. How diversified were his talents 1 In-
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236 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
spired with the most enthasiastic admiration of oar ancient national
poetry^ and of the manners and chivalry of former times, how did be
create a new era in onr literature^ and dazzle us with the brilliancy and
the faithfulness of his pictures of the times that had passed away ! When
sated with the fame of his poetry, he was not inactive, but entered on a
new path, and with rich profusion poured forth in endless succession his
stores of knowledge of the human heart, and delineated with his power-
ful pen the manners and the characters of former generations. If his
life had been prolonged^it is not unnatural to suppose that, from some
delightful sketches which he gave, he might have added' to his fame that
of excellence in historical composition.
" It is with pleasure we have met on this occasion to perform the
duty to which we have been called. This wajs the birth-day of Scott,—
this the anniversary of the day when a British Sovereign revisited our
long deserted palaces, — this, an extraordinary day in the calendar, was
also the birth-day of Napoleon. The Masonic body have had much
satisfaction in doing honour to this day, for to other claims Sir Walter
Scott added that of a Brother, having been a Member of the Lodge
St David, Edinburgh^ in which he often delighted the Brethren with his
society, and shone as a zealous and true-hearted Mason ; and I need
scarcely add that the Lodge St David justly count it one of their
highest honours that he was enrolled amongst them. I beg to thank
the Committee for the readiness with which they acceded to any proposal
of the Grand Lodge ; and I rejoice to think that the whole ceremony
has been conducted in a manner every way suitable and worthy of the
occasion."
Sir William Hae in reply said, " As a Subscriber to the Scott Monu-
ment I have been requested by the Committee, to whom the execution
of this interesting task has been comm!tte«l, to acknowledge the appro-
priate and eloquent address which your Lordship has now made. Your
Lordship has alluded to the cause which has led to this distinction hay-
ing been conferred on me. The happiness which I enjoyed in the inti-
macy that subsisted between us during the whole lifetime of that illus-
trious man, — an intimacy originating in our boyish years, when we
were class-fellows in the High School of Edinburgh, and continuing
uninterrupted during his whole life, with a cordiality not often met with
in the ordinary attachments of life^ until it pleased Providence to take
him from that scene of trouble and distress, in which he willingly
made himself a sacrifice that no man might sufier injustice through
lum. I cannot conceal that I feel proud and melancholy at the dis-
tinction this day conferred upon me; at the same time, the latter
feeling is swept away by the gratification which I feel at witnessing
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 237
this splendid scene — ^this countless host of all parties, all ranks, and all
ages, which I see around me — who have this day come forward, as with
one impulse, to exhibit their admiration and regard for the memory of
their distinguished countryman, whose fame has stretched to the utmost
bounds of the habitable globe.
" It would be a waste of time for me to eulogise the fame of my
departed and illustrious friend. I therefore willingly turn from him to
this testimonial, the object of which is not so much to extend and to
perpetuate the memory of my friend — for that is not required — but to
show to the world the sentiments entertained by his cotemporaries,
and to evince to posterity that we have not only benefited by his works,
but that we are anxious to show the gratitude we entertained towards
the man for the profit and pleasure we have derived from his genius.
That is the object of this work, and I agree with yon, my Lord, that his
own labours will form the truest and most lasting trophy of his fame —
for his name and memory will flourish long after the materials of which
this fabric is to be reared shall have crumbled into dust. Consistently
with these views, I think it is our duty to erect a memorial worthy of
him, worthy of ourselves, and. worthy of his and our country. And as
I know that it must be the wish of all here present that this should be
accomplished in a way the most striking and effective, I trust I shall be
forgiven if, instead of occupying your time in listening to high sound-
ing periods, I dedicate the small portion of it which I mean to occupy
to a practical purpose — ^t^at of making such an appeal to you, and through
you to the public, as may enable the Committee materially to enlarge
the proportions of the proposed edifice, and thereby render this testi-
monial more truly worthy of its object" [Here followed an account of
the difiSculties experienced by the Monument Committee regarding a
site, plans, &c., amount of Subscriptions, and so forth.]
" And now, my Lord, on behalf of the Committee, allow me to return
you our sincere thanks not only for the handsome terms which you
have been pleased to express towards us, but for the zealous support
you have throughout given to the undertaking. To you is mainly to be
attributed the assemblage now held to lay the Foundation-stone of this
testimonial, on the anniversary day of the birth of our distinguished
countryman. And the aid you have afforded in all the arrangements,
and the part you have discharged on the present occasion, entitle you
to our most sincere thanks. To that ancient and loyal body by whom
you are surrounded, we also express our gratitude for the numerous
attendance which they have this day afforded. We trust that we shall
not look in vain for a continuance of their favour and support in the
construction of a work particularly connected with their craft, and
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238 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
where, as meDtioned by your LordsLip, the name of him to be recorded
once stood enrolled as a conspicnoas member of their own body. To
the Magistrates of the City, and other individuals who have this day
honoured us with their countenance, we would aJso offer our sincere
acknowledgments ; and, in concluding, I trust I may announce^ it as the
united and earnest wish of all whom I now see around me that there
may be erected on this spot a testimonial truly worthy of the great
name which it is meant to celebrate — worthy of the metropolis of Scot-
land^ and of the conspicuous site on which it is to be placed — worthy of
the subscribers who have given their money for its erection — and not
unworthy of the humble individuals who have undertaken to be the
instruments of carrying the wishes of their countrymen into effect."
The band then played the National air of ''Rule Britannia^"
which being followed by a salute of seven guns from the Royal
Artillery, the procession moved off in reverse order to their respective
destinations ; the whole ceremony having passed off with the greatest
ecl&t.
At a pro re nata meeting held on 23d November, a congratulatory
Address to Her Majesty the Queen upon the birth of the Princess Royal
was unanimously agreed to : On the 30th November an Address
relating to the same auspicious event was voted to His Royal Highness
Prince Albert; both of which were presented to Her Majesty and His
Royal Highness at Buckingham Palace by the Right Worshipful Brothers
William Forbes Mackenzie, M.P., and William Alexander Laurie, the
Grand Secretary, and were received in the most gracious manner.
1840. November 30. The Right Honourable George William
Evelyn Leslie, Earl of Rothes, was elected Grand Master.
At a pro re nata meeting on the 22d March 1841, called in con-
sequence of the lamented death of the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master the Earl of Rothes/ whereby the Order in Scotland had been
deprived of the efficient services of a distinguished Nobleman and a
kind-hearted Brother^ the following Address of Condolence was directed
to be transmitted to the Right Honourable the Countess of Rothes,
^ [The Earl of Rothes retired from the Army in 1831, and died at his seat,
Leslie House, in the Coonty of Fife, on the 10th day of March 1841. The
Chief of the famUy of Leslie, a noble Hongarian, settled in this coontry iu the
reign of William the First of Scotland. His Lordship was consequently
descended from a long line of ancient and illustrious ancestors, several of
whom had held the highest offices in the State, and were much distinguished
in the great historical events of their Country ; a most eminent Member of the
Family (the Duke of Rothes,) filled at the same time the high Offices of Lord
Treasurer and Chancellor of Scotland in the reign of Charles II. — E.]
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THE HISTORY OV FREE MASONRY. S39
and which her Ladyship was pleased to acknowledge with her sincere
thanks : —
^' To THE Right Honourable the Countess op Rothes.
" We, the Right Honourable and Right Worshipful Sir James Forrest
of Comiston^ Bart., Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Past Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, the Right Honourable Lord Frederick FitzClarence,
Depute Grand Master, the Honourable the Master of Torphichen, Sub-
stitute Grand Master^ and remanent Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge
of Scotland, for ourselres, and in name and on behalf of the other
Members of the Grand Lodge, beg leave to tender to jour Ladyship the
sincere expression of our heartfelt sorrow, and of our deep sympathy
and condolence, upon the severe' bereavement with which it has pleased
the Almighty Architect of the Universe to visit you by the sudden
demise of your Ladyship's much lamented husband, the Earl of Rothes,
our Most Worshipful Grand Master.
'* Among us he held the first — the highest — ^place, and although he has
not been permitted to hold that high rank long, yet we are sure it will
be gratifying to your Ladyship to know that he had already laid a
foundation which ensured to him our respect and afiectionate regard ;
and while we mourn our own loss, most deeply do we deplore the sad
affliction which has levelled to the dust the best affections of a kind and
amiable wife, and deprived her young fEimily of a father and protector.
Our present prayer is, that the Almighty Architect of the Universe, to
Whom alone in the hour of darkness and of trial we must look for con-
solation, will bestow upon your Ladyship and your family His everlast-
ing blessing, and give you strength and resignation to bear the severe
dispensation ivith which it has pleased Him to visit you and us.
" Signed in name and by appointment of the Office-bearers of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, in Grand Lodge assembled, this
22d day of March 1841, and of Light 5841.
(Signed) " James Forrest, Bart., Fcut Grand Master.'*
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d May, the Great Hall was
decorated with two escutcheoDs, the one bearing the arms of the noble
Earl, the other his Masonic Insignia of Office. The Grand Canopy of
the Throne, and the places of the Wardens were draped with black,
and the Brethren appeared in deep Masonic mourning costume, with crape
rosettes on their clothing. Brother Professor W. E. Aytoun pronounced
from the chair an eloquent and feeling address, in which he paid a well-
merited tribute to the memory of the late Most Worshipful the Grand
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240 THE HISTOBT OF FREE MASONRY.
Master; at its conclusion a Funeral Dirge was recited by Brother
Giliillan, the Grand Bard, composeil by him for the occasion.
The Grand Lodge also " Resolved, that in consequence of the lament-
ed death of the Right. Honourable and Most Worshipful the Earl of
Rothes, Grand Master Mason of Scotland, it is decent and proper, as
well as a mark of respect and regard^ that all Lodges holding of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland do put themselves into Masonic mourning,
viz., three black crape rosettes upon the apron, and one upon the sash,
where it crosses the left breast, — ^the mourning to cease upon St Andrew's
Day. And the Grand Secretary is hereby diluted to communicate this
Resolution to all Daughter Lodges at home and abroad."
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d August Brother Walker-
Arnott, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge St Serf, Kinross, was
authorised by the Grand Lodge (the Provincial Grand Mastership being
vacant by the death of the Right Honourable the Earl of Rothes,) to lay
the Foundation-stone of the Town-Hall and Market-Place of that town.
1841. November 30. The Right Honourable Lord Frederick Fitz-
Clarence, G.O.H., was elected Grand Master.
Addresses to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Albert,
upon the birth of the Prince of Wales, were unanimously agreed to, and
transmitted for presentation ; and at a pro re nata meeting on 15th June,
congratulatory Addresses on the occasion of Her Majesty's escape from
the second atrocious attempt upon her life and that of His Rojral High-
nsss Prince Albert, were transmitted to the Mo8t Worshipful the Grand
Master for presentation to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness.
At a pro re nata meeting held on the 22d day of August 1842,
for the purpose of addressing Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal
Highness Prince Albert on the occasion of their visit to Scotland, Sir
James Forrest, Bart., Acting Grand Master, in the Chair, after a suitable
introductory speech, moved the following Addresses, which were ap-
proved of amidst the acclamations of the Brethren : —
" Unto the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty.
'* Most Gracious Sovereign,
" We, the Most Worshipful and Right Honourable Lord Frederick
FitzClarence, G.G.H., Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the Right
Honourable Sir James Forrest of Coroiston, Bart, Lord Provost of
Edinburgh, Past Grand Master, and remanent Members of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, for ourselves, and on behalf of the ancient Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, beg leave to offer to your
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MAfiONRY. 241
Majesty onr most sincere and hearty congratulations on your arrival in
your ancient Kingdom of Scotland.
'^ Beholding in tlie sacred person of your Majesty the august descend-
ant of that ancient line of Monarchs who swayed the Scottish Sceptre,
maintained the glory of our Land, and afforded countenance and protec-
tion to our valued and ancient Institutions through a long series of ages,
our hearts glow with more than the usual feelings of loyalty and attach-
ment at the presence of your Majesty amongst your Scottish subjects.
'* Enjoying with the rest of the Nation the inestimable benefits
derived from your Majesty's mild and benignant sway, we would em-
brace this auspicious occasion to offer to your Majesty our heartfelt
thanks for the many advantages our Craft experiences under your Ma-
jesty's protection.
«* We beg to offer our ardent and humble prayers to the Great
Architect of the Universe that He will shield your Majesty, your
Hoyal Consort, and Family, from all harm, and that your Majesty may
enjoy in health and happiness a long and prosperous reign.
'' Qiven under our hand and seal in full Orand Lodge assembled,
at Edinburgh this 22d day of August 1842, and of Light
5842. (Signed) " Frederick FitzClarencp^
" Grand Master Mason**
*' Unto His Royal Highness Francis Albert AuausTUs
Charles Emanuel, Duke of Saxe, Prince of Sake
COBURO AND GOTHA, K.G., &0,, ibc.
"We, the. Most Worshipful and Right Honourable Lord Frederick
FitzClarence, 0.0. H., Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the Right
Honourable Sir James Forrest of Comiston, Bart., Lord Provost of
Edinburgh, Past Grand Master, and remanent Members of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, for ourselves, and on behalf of the Ancient Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, approach your Royal High-
ness with every feeling of sincere and heartfelt pleasure at your Royal
Highness's arrival in Scotland.
" Our Ancient Society is a structure based upon the broad principles
of philanthropy, brotherly love, and charity, and cemented and raised
in peace and order, — ^with such principles as these all true Masons may
be considered good and virtuous members of society, and loyal subjects
of Her Majesty.
" We rejoice with your Royal Highness at the universal feeling of
loyalty which pervades all classes upon this happy occasion, and which
must convince your Royal Highness, if that were necessary, that Scot*
land hails with joy the presence of her Queen.
10
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242 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" That the Great Architect of the Universe may protect and bless
your Royal Highness and your beloved Consort the Queen, and royal
offspring, is the fervent prayer of the Free Masons of Scotland.
^* Given nnder our hand and seal in full Grand Lodge assembled,
at Edinburgh this 22d day of August 1842, and of Light
5842.
(Signed) '^ Frederick FrrzCLARBNCE,
" Grand Master Mason^ *
As the Grand Lodge had been requested to lay the Foundation-stone
of the Victoria Hall, to be erected for the aocommodation of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland, it was proposed at this meeting that
the ceremony should take place on the day of Her Majesty's Visit to the
City on the 3d September next ; which suggestion having been approved
of, a special Grand Lodge was summoned for that day, at nine o'clock a.m.,
in the Great Hall of the High School, and was there opened in ample
form by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, Lord Frederick Fitz-
Clarence, G.C.H., previous to walking in Procession to the site of the
building on the Castle Hill.
A Procession having been formed by the Grand Marshals, The Grand
Lodge, preceded by the Junior Lodges, and attended by the proper
Officers, proceeded along the Regent Bridge, Princes Street, the Mound
and Bank Street, to the Victoria Hall, where, having been arranged on
the Platform allotted to the Members and Officers of the Grand Lodge,
the Brethren of the Daughter Lodges formed a double line inside the
Militaiy, through which Her Majesty and the Royal Cortege passed to
visit the Castle of Edinburgh.
During the time Her Majesty was in the Castle, the Foundation-stone
was laid according to ancient usage. The ceremony, though short, was
most solemn, and the address of the Grand Master was couched in
terms at once impressive and appropriate, in the course of which allusion
was made to the auspicious occasion of Her Most Gracious Majesty's
visit.
The Sovereign, as she passed to and from the Castle, took notice in
an especial manner of the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge.
^ [These Addresses were presented to Her Majesty at the Reception at
Dalkeith Palace, by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, and a Deputation
consisting of the following Brethren, Patrick Maxwell Stewart, Esq., M.P.,
Provincial Grand blaster for the Western Province of Renfrew, Sir David
Kioloch, Bart., Past Grand Warden, William Alexander Laurie, Esq., Grand
Secretary, John Maitland, Esq., Grand Clerk, and Thomas Graham Dundas^
Esq. The Deputation proceeded to the Palace in State, and were received
by Her Majesty in the most gracioas manner.— E.]
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THB BISTORT OP FBEB MASONRY. 243
The following is the inscription on the Plate deposited in the stone :-*»
To the glory of GOD,
In honour of The Queen,
On the 3d day of September, in the year of our Lord if dgooxlii,
The day of oar Most Giacions Majesty
QUEEN VICTORIA
Visiting the City of Edinburgh,
The Right Hon. Sir Jambs Forrbsi of Comiston, Bart^ Lord ProYOst :
The Roy. Dayid Welsh, D.D., Moderator of the Assembly :
The FoundationHstone of this Saperb Structore, to be called
VICTORIA HALL,
For the nse of
Thb General Assembly of Thb Chitrcb of Scotland,
Was laid by
The Right Hon. Lord Frederick FitzClarencb, G.C.H., ^.,
Grand Master Mason of Scotiand,
In presence of The Grand Lodob and other Masonic Lodges.
James Gillespie Graham, Esq., of Orohill, Architect.
John Lind, Master Builder of the HalL
Length of Building from East to West, 141 Feet.
Height of Spire OYcr the Entrance, 241 Feet.
There were also deposited in the caYity of the stone, indosed in a
glass jar, an Edinburgh Almanac, the newspapers of the day, a plan of
the City, and a beautiful engraYing of the building, with coins of the
present reign.
On retumbg to the Hall of the High School the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master, in a speech replete with good feeling and taste, thanked
the assembled Brethren for the support he had receiYod from them.
Amongst those attending his Lordship was Brother J. F. Cooke, Right
Worshipful Master of the Lodge Union, Nassau, New ProYidence, and
subsequently ProYincial Grand Master of the Lodges in the Bahama
Islands.
This year's Obituaiy contained the names of Brothers Lientenant-
Colonel Sir Alexander Bumecf, C.B., Political 'Resident at Cabul, and
Lieutenant Charles Bumes, 1 7th Regiment NatiYO Infantry, who both
fell a prey to Aflfghan treachery ; uid also that of Sir James Spittal,
Knight, late Lord ProYost of Edinburgh, who had filled many high
offices in the Grand Lodges and been an actiYC member of the Ctatb for
half a century.
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24 i THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
1842. November 30. The Right Honourable Lord Frederick Fits-
Clarence, G.C.H., was re-elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 8th May 1843 an Address to
Her Majesty the Queen upon the demise of His Royal Highness the
Duke of Sussex was unanimously voted ; after which the Most Worship-
ful the Grand Master said *' that while the Brethren had the melancholy
duty to perform of approaching the Throne with their tribute of con-
dolence upon the death of so higb a Prince and so excellent a Mason^ an
opportunity had at the same time been afforded them of offering their
congratulations upon the birth of a Princess ;" whereupon his Lordship
moved a Congratulatory Address to Her Majesty upon this auspicious
occasion, which, being seconded by the Right Worshipful the Depute
Grand Master, Lord Glenlyon, was unanimously agreed to, and both
Addresses were ordered to be transmitted to the Right Honourable the
Secretary of State for presentation.
The Grand Lodge then resolved itself into a Grand Funeral Lodge
in honour of his late Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master Mason of England. The preparations
for which were upon an extensive and magnificent scale.
The crimson velvet hangings of the Grand Master's Throne, the
Tribune in front, and the places of the Wardens, were partially covered
with black crape. A " CltapeUe Ardente*^ was fitted up at the north
end of the Hall, hung with black cloth, a beautifully executed trans-
parent window, on which were emblazoned the arms of the Grand
Lodge terminating the vista. In the Chapelle was an altar, on which
were placed the silver consecration cups, arranged in proper order; the
gilded working tools ; and two figures of Vestals, holding incense jars,
stood on either side. The white and black fluted pillars, and draperies
festodned in front, were lighted with wax lights, placed upon six elegant
silver candelabra, supported by white demi -columns, the whole decorated
by a variety of banners bearing appropriate devices, furnished by the
different Lodges in town.
The music comprised some of the most beautiful compositions of
Handel, Mozart, Luther, and Callcott. Towards the close of the ceremony
some Elegiac verses were recited by the Grand Bard, composed by him
for the occasion.
The Oration was pronounced by Brother the Reverend John Boyle,
B.C.L., Cambridge, Acting Grand Chaplain, in the course of which he
said —
*' To instruct and to admonish the living, rather than to panegyrize
the dead, is my province and my duty ; but whilst I do the one, I feel
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 245
ihat I may innocently do the other ; I feel that whilst I enforce the
lesson — eloquently persuasive as it is — ^which may be learnt from the
lamented decease of one whom regal birth and powerful connections
could not shield from the penalty of dying, and whose removal, there-
fore, strikingly illustrates the touching truth, that '^ All flesh is grass,
and the goodliness thereof but as the flower of the field," I may also
dwell upon the virtues which graced, the accomplishments which adorn-
ed, and the usefulness which endeared the exalted individual whose loss
we deplore, and whose services and philanthropy, important and valuable
to the Nation at large, were especially so to that Venerable Order, of the
mysteries and principles of which we are the favoured partakers, and
of whose aim and object his whole life was a striking, beautiful, and
most instructive exemplification.
*' The ofispring of a long line of illustrious ancestors, he possessed
almost every advantage which the highest rank and power could com-
mand ; a mind stored with the treasures of ancient and modern learn-
ing, and literally crowded with accomplishments j talents highly culti-
vated, and as&iiluously directed to the best and noblest purposes ; and
virtues which exalted the man above the prince, were his enviable and
undoubted possessions. He, indeed, had many and no slender claims
upon our gratitude and esteem. To say that he was perfect^ would be
to say that he was what no human being can be j but to say that
the very errors which marked his course were but the scintillations of
an amiable temperament, — that " even his failings leaned to virtue's
side," is to say what truth and justice imperatively demand. The
various charitable objects to which he generously and almost unceasingly
devoted his means and attention, attest the activity of his zeal in the
cause of sufieribg humanity ; and if, as has been alleged, his patronage
was too widely diffused and too indiscriminately bestowed, my honest
belief is that he did so mtich, lest, by overlooking any claim, he might
be found to have done too little. In him learning had a munificent
patron, and science a fostering friend. As President both of the
Society of Literature and the Society of Arts, his conduct was distin-
guished by the greatest amenity and kindness ; and whilst he was the
ready and princely protector of friendless merit he was the eloquent
champion of scientific truth. His own retirement was dignified by the
ardent pursuit, as it was rewarded by the solacing acquisition, of learn-
ing; and he has left behind him a library which, in its Biblical
department, is unrivalled by any private collection. My time and my
limits forbid me to enlarge upon the public career, or to dwell upon the
public services of the departed Prince; nor is it needful that I should
do so : For nearly half a century His Royal Highness was identified
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246 THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
with almost eyery benerolent moremeiit, and with almost eveiy philan-
thropic object ; and it is a proof at once of his sincerity and disinterested-
ness, that rather than not work ont the convictions of hb own enlight-
ened and sympathetic mind, — ^rather than not pnrsne what he conscien-
tiously thonght to be the path of duty, — ^he forfeited many opportunities of
wordly aggrandisement and power: 'More skill'd to raise the wretched,
than to rise,' his ambition seems to have been to do good in his own
way, because he really believed that way to be the best Like the
patriot of old, he was ready to sacrifice himself whenever the good of
his country, or the happiness of the community required; and he
appears invariably to have acted upon the benevolent and comprehen-
sive maxim of the Roman Dramatist,
'Homo sum ; hnmani nihil a me alienum puto.'
'* But I must hasten to the brief consideration — for my limits compel .
me to be brief— -of a subject which, before an audience like the present,
might seem to warrant lengthened eulogium and remark. I allude to
the important station which the Prince so ably filled in our Ancient and
Honourable Fraternity, — a station which his virtues dignified, his
accomplishments adorned, and his zeal, activity, and discretion, ren-
dered one of pre-eminent usefulness and value. For more than thirty
years he ofiiciated as Right Worshipful Grand Master of England,
having succeeded his august brother, George the Fourth, in the
year 1813 ; and so satisfactorily and successfully did he discharge his
important trust, that under his benignant rule the most perfect har-
mony and unanimity pervailed ; the fraternity rapidly increased, both
in numbers and respectability; its charitable institutions were ex-
tended and multiplied ; its laws and regulations revised and improved ;
and at the period of His Royal Highnesses death there existed, I
believe, not fewer than one thousand Lodges under the fostering juris-
diction of the Grand Lodge of England. Such was his devotion to our
interests — and truly it is an interesting and affecting fact — ^that a few
days before he died he intimated to the Board of Stewards for conduct-
ing the Great Annual Masonic Festival, his wish and intention to dine
with them at the Freemasons' Hall, on Wednesday the 26th ultimo.
Before that day, however, arrived, it pleased the Great Architect to
dose his eyes in death ! To wear out, rather than to rust out, seems to
have been the wish of his heart ; and to die at the post of duty his
laudable desire.
" And though the influence of his rank and talents be now lost to
our Order, the influence of his brilliant example must long continue :
' though dead, he yet speaketh ;''— and 0 I Brethren, let him not speak
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THE HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY. 247
in vain. Be, like him, true to year principles. Let Masonic condnct
attest the sinceritj of yonr Masonic profession. Eschew, as he eschewed,
the Inst of the flesh, and the Inst of the eye, and the pride of life ; and
seek, as he always sought^ to enjoy the cheapesty the hest, and the most
enduring of all luxuries — the luxury of doing good : Seek, in short, hy
patient continuance in well-doing, for that glory, and honour, and
immortality, which I devoutly trust are now his portion and his joy —
his earthly recompence, and his heavenly reward.
'' Let, then, the sad Ceremonial of this night be the means of inducing
us so to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom ;
let it induce us practically to appreciate the touching and momentous
truths that we are no better than fading leaves trembling on the tree
of life, liable at any moment to be detached from the bough which sus-
tains us; and that soon — and it may be very soon — ^the place which
now knoweth ns will know us no more for ever. Seeking, therefore, to
have our corruption clothed in incorruption, and our mortal arrayed in
immortality, let us determine to honour God not by mere outward
forms of allegiance, not by the mere sanctimonious profession of the
truth, but in the way which He himself has appointed — with all our
hearts, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our .strength.
Let us seek His favour, and entreat His mercy, and supplicate His
peace, through Him, and for Him, who is the way and the truth, and
who has declared and proved Himself to be ' the resurrection and the
life, in whom whosoever bclieveth shall live though he die, and in whom
whosoever liveth and believeth, shall not die eternally.' Pray we, then,
for strength equal to our day ; — ^pray we for grace to enable us to make
our calling and election sure, that having lived the life, we may die the
death of the righteous, and that our last end may be like his. Being
now light in the Lord, let us walk as children of light; proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord; and have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness^ but rather reprove them. So shall we adorn the
profession, illustrate the principles, and attain the end of the time-
honoured Fraternity to which we belong ; peace below will be the glori-
ous prelude to never-ending peace above; and joy, which eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived, will reward our faith and
obedience; for if we are faithful unto death. He, to whose glory all our
rites have reference, — ^whose holy laws our expressive symbols are de-
signed to enforce, — and to the good of whose creatures all our proceed-
ings are directed, — ^will assuredly give us a crown of life. Wherefore,
Brethren, proceed ye in every good word and work; be ye not merely
hearers of the word, but doers of it, — ^not merely speculative and theo-
retical, but, in the best sense of the terms, operaiive andpracHcal Free-
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248 THB HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY.
masons; 'and whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honesty
whatsoever things are just, .whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report — ^if there be any
virtne, and if there be any praise, think on these things;' and having
thought upon, piously resolve to do them, ' and the Qod of Peace shall
be with you.' "
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master then rose and said: — " My
Brethren, — Before closing the Grand Lodge, I must take this oppor*
tunity of expressing my thanks to you for your attendance at the solemn
Ceremonial which has just terminated ; and it is most gratifying to me
to think that from the feelings of respect which have pervaded this
assembly, the memory of the Illustrious Prince^ on account of whose
decease this Funeral Grand Lodge has been convened, is warmly
cherished by yon all.
" I should not have considered it necessary upon any ordinary occa-
sion to have added a single word to the eloquent, impressive, and appro-
priate address pronounced by the Grand Chaplain ; but from the high
position which I hold among you, as your Grand Master, and from the
long and intimate acquaintance which I had with the late Duke of
Sussex, I feel that a few words from me may not be altogether super-
fluous.
^ Possessing as I did for a long series of years the friendship, I may
say affectionate friendship, of the departed Duke, I can safely bear
testimony to the justness of the eulogiums which have been bestowed upon
him, — ^not by the Grand Chaplain only, but by the Country at large.
As a man, I will venture to say, that no one ever made himself more
generaUy beloved than the late Duke of Sussex. He had no enemies, —
on the contrary, he inspired those who happened to differ from him in
opinion, with respect and admiration for the sincerity and manliness of
his character ; and where he failed to convince he never failed to
please. As a Mason — ^to you perhaps his praises h^ve been more
frequently sounded — ever foremost in the ranks of benevolence and
charity, he lent a willing hand and the influence of his high station to
promote that Institution of which' he was one of the brightest ornaments
the Craft ever possessed, and to foster those benevolent schemes con-
nected therewith which imparted comfort and relief to the widows and
orphans of many departed Brethren. His loss will be long felt, and
severely too, by many of the departed Prince's fellow-countrymen. For
myself, I shall only say, that remembering as I do the Royal Duke
and Illustrious Brother when he was a younger man than I am now,
and His Royal Highness then in the enjoyment of more robust health
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TUB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 249
than I can at present boast of possessing, this event strongly calls to my
mind the rapidity of fleeting time, and the impression and reflection
that mnst follow, having seen the change from the height of health and
(Strength, to the completion of threescore years and ten, when it pleased
the Great Anthor of the Universe to call oar late excellent and highly
gifted Brother from this world to a better.
'' Having, my Brethren, manifested, by this nnmerons and respectable
meeting, our unfeigned and affectionate feelings towards the memory of
onr late Illustrious Brother, let us supplicate a blessing on our beloved
Sovereign, her Royal Consort, and her rising and interesting Family,
that the Great Architect of the Universe may ever hold them in His
holy keeping, and may she ever reign in the true love and affection of
her loyal subjects."
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th November, Brother William
Donaldson was appointed Clothier to the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
This year Provincial Grand Masters were appointed for the Pro-
yinces of Jamaica; and Nova Scotia^ New Brunswick, and Prince
Edward Island.
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250 TUB HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY.
CHAPTER XIII.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FROM
NOVEMBER 1843 TO NOVEMBER 1853.
1843. November 30. The Right Hononrable George Augustus
Frederick John, Lord Gleulyon, was elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication ou 5th February 1844^ a letter was
read from certain persons styling themselves ^' The Brethren of St
John*s Lodge of Free Masons^ Melrose/' complaining, that though invited
to attend the ceremony of laying the foundation of the County Buildings
in Peebles, the Deputation sent by them had been prevented from taking
a part in the ceremony because their Lodge did not acknowledge or
hold of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Upon hearing which, the Grand
Lodge instructed the Grand Secretary to acknowledge receipt of the
communication, and to state that the Lodges at Peebles, on the occasion
referred to, acted in strict conformity with the Laws of the Grand
Lodge ; and that as the Brethren in question continue to remain sepa-
rate from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the latter cannot recognise the
Lodge styling itself " The St John's Lodge of Melrose."
The question of — How far Benefit Societies in connection with Lodges
are conducive or otherwise to the prosperity of Masonry in Scotland,
having been frequently brought under the notice of the Grand Lodge, a
Select Committee was appointed to enquire into the matter, who reported
to tlie Quarterly Communication held on 6th May, as follows : —
'^ The facts generally, as ascertained by the Committee, may be
stated thus:
'* In some Lodges with Benefit Societies it is explained to the candi-
date that a Benefit Society is connected with the Lodge into which he
ofiers himself for initiation ; that the fee for becoming a member of the
Lodge is a stated sum, say L.l, 10s., and for becoming a member both of
the Lodge and the Society is so much more, say L.2 in whole, besides
an annual contribution to the Society funds; and that unless the candi-
date become a member both of the Lodge and the Society he can neither
elect for nor be elected to any of the oflSces of the Lodge, the Office-
bearers being generally the managers ex officiis of the Society funds.
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THE HlfiTORT OF FREE MABONRT. 251
In other cases, members of ihe Lodge, bat not of the Society, may vote
at the election of OfBioe-bearers of the Lodge, bat are not eligible for
office themselres. And lastly, that the Societies in qaestion are in
many instances managed with great care, and are veiy beneficial to the
parties concerned.
'' The Committee feel the greatest possible difficulty in offering an
opinion to the Grand Lodge on this subject, which they look npon as one
requiring to be treated with great delicacy. For, while they are sensi-
ble that the Benefit Societies do great good, and are deserving of every
encouragement, the Committee cannot lose sight of one of Uie funda-
mental principles of Masonry, viz. — ^That it is the undoabted right of
every qualified Brother to vote at the election of Office-bearers of his
Lodge, and to be eligible, according to his knowledge of Masonry and
his virtues and accomplishments as a Mason, for any of the offices of his
Lodge, from the lowest to the highest But according to the practice of
the Lodges with Societies before referred to, Brethren of these Lodges,
not members of the Society, are deprived of this undoubted privilege.
** The Committee are of opinion that the Grand Lodge should pro-
hibit all Lodges who may hereafter form Benefit Societies from
depriving any of their Members of their privilege of voting at the
election of Office-bearers, or being chosen Office-bearers; and that
they should recommend to, and instruct Lodges having Benefit Societiee
already connected with tlieftif to make such alterations upon their bye-
laws and practice as will admit every duly constituted member of
the Lodge, not lying under any Masonic disability, to vote, or to be
eligible for office, at the election of Office-bearers of his Lodge before
next St John's Day.
" The Committee also think that it should be recommended to all
Lodges with Benefit Societies to be very careful in keeping the funds of
the Lodge separate and distinct from those of the Society."
Which Report having been duly considered, was approved of, and the
following Resolutions in conformity therewith nnanimously agreed to : —
" That all Lodges who may hereafter form Benefit Societies are
hereby prohibited from depriving any of the Members of their Lodges
of the right of voting at the election of Office-bearers, or being chosen
Office-bearers ; and those Lodges who already have Benefit Societies
connected therewith, are instructed to make such alterations upon their
bye-laws and practice as will admit every duly constituted Member of the
Lodge, not lying under any Masonic disability, to vote, or to be eligible
for office, at the election of Office-bearers. The Grand Lodge also
recommend all Lodges havini; Benefit Societies to be very careful in
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252 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
keeping the funds of the Lodge perfectly separate and distinct from those
of the Society."
The following important Letter from the Grand Registrar of the
Order of the Temple was read at this meeting, and subsequently embodied
in the Annual Circular for the guidance of all the Daughter Lodges : —
"Edinburgh, 22d March 1844,
27, India Street.
" Right Worshipful Sir, — As Registrar to the Religious and Mili-
tary Order of the Temple, I have to direct your attention to a Resolu-
tion which passed unanimously in Conclave on the 11 th instant, declaring
it to be no longer necessary that persons thereafter admitted into this
Order in the Provisional Priory of the Grand Council, or in Provisional
Grand Priories out of Scotland, shall preriously have obtained any
Masonic degree.
" I intimate this to you that it may be generally communicated to the
Free Masons belonging to Scotland, that they may be all made aware
that Members of the Chivalric Order of the Temple, admitted as above,
and holding Diplomas from Admiral Sir David Milne, G.C.B., present
Grand Master, or his successors in Office, have not necessarily/ been
Entered, Passed, or Raised ; and that other proof of their being Masons
is requisite than their Templar Diplomas. Persons received in sabordi-
nate Priories of the Order require to be Masons as formerly.
** In making this communication, I may safely state on the part of the
Knights of the Temple — whose Scottish descent from the Ancient Order
is unquestioned— that although the connection which has for a consider-
able period of time subsisted between them and Masonic Associations
is now in some measure severed, yet the Members of this Order, in their
anxiety to promote the welfare of Masonry, have increased the dues
very considerably to uninitiated persons entering the Temple, whereas
the fees to those already Masons continue as formerly. — I am. Sir and
Brother, your's, &c.
(Signed) " J. Linning Woodman, Registrar,
"To Wm. a. Laurie, Esq., Secretary,
Grand Lodge of Scotland.''
The Ceremonial of laying the Foundation-stone, at the Low Calton,'
of the New Public Baths for the Working-Classes of Edinburgh, took
place on the 29th July 1844.
^ [This site was, previoas to their erection, purchased by the North British
Railway Company. A buildiDg iu Nicolson Square is now occupied as the
Public Baths.— E.J
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 253
The Trades were marshalled in Brantsfield Links^ and after walking
through several parts of the city, proceeded to the front of the Uni-
versity, where thej were joined by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which
assenible«l there at two o'clock, and was opened by the Grand Master,
Lord Glenlyon, assisted by the Grand Office-bearers.
The Procession of the Trades, <kc., having halted when the rear
reached the University, opened up into double Hues, and the Masonic
Procession, as arranged in the quadrangle of the University by the
Grand Marshals, issued from the great gate, the Junior Lodges preced-
ing, according to their number on the Grand Lodge roll. Amongst the
numerous Lodges in attendance, was the Lodge of the 26th or Came-
ronian Regiment, on the Registry of Ireland, which being a visiting
Stranger Lodge, under the rule of a Sister Grand Lodge, was placed next
the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
The Trades, &C., in inverted order, followed the Masonic body, until
it reached the site of the proposed building.
In Catherine Street the procession was joined by the Lord Provost,
Magistrates, and Town-Council, in their robes of office.
The Grand Lodge, preceded by the Band of the Scots Greys playing
the Masons' Anthem, entered the space to be appropriated for the
erection of the Baths shortly after four o'clock, amidst loud cheers
from the numerous spectators, who occupied every " coigne of vantage"
on the surrounding heights and houses.
About half-past four the Most Worshipful the Grand Master took up
his position facing the platform, accompanied by the Office-bearers of
the Grand Lodge. The platform erected opposite to the Grand Lodge
was occupied by the Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town-Council, the
Directors, Ordinary and Extraordinary, as well as the Committee of the
Baths. The various Trades occupied a large square area. On the com-
pletion of the necessary arrangements, and silence being obtained, the
Rev. John Bojle, Acting Grand Chaplain, offered up the foilowing
Prayer : —
" O Thou ^eat and adorable Lord God, Almighty Architect of the
Univefse, and Sovereign Disposer of all things; King of kings, and
Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes ! we venture, in all humility,
now to approach Thee for the purpose of invoking the fulness of Thy
blessing upon this our present undertaking. In Thy hands, and in
Thine only, are the issues of life and death ; — Thine we are, and Thee
we are bound to serve ; — deign, therefore, we beseech Thee, to render
effectual the means now being adopted for the bodily health, comfort
and well-being of Thy frail and dependent creatures; prosper with
Thy special favour the laudable efforts which the stewards of Thy
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254 THE HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY.
boantj are thas making for those who possess bat a scanty portion of
this world's wealth ; and let the advantages about to be afforded be
thankfully embraced and piously appreciated. And whilst they for
whose especial use these means are intended, seek to cleanse and to
strengthen the outer man, do Thou, by the sanctifying and sustaining
influences of the Holy Spirit, enable them to cleanse and to strengthen
the inner man : teach them while they put away the impurities of the
flesh, to put away also the impurities of the spirit, that their every
thought and word and work may be acceptable in Thy sight : So,
through the atoning merits of our risen and glorified Redeemer, shall
they enjoy both the blessings of the life which i^ow is, and of that
which is to come ; so will they walk in the plenitude of Thy power
here, and dwell in the abiding joy of Thy presence hereafter, and reap
that ererlasting gain which godliness with contentment cannot £Ei.il to
produce. And now, 0 Heavenly Father, again commending this laud-
able undertaking to Thy especial blessing, and imploring Thee to extend
to it Thy most gracious favour, and to farther it with Thy continual
help, we ask all in the name of Jesus Christ, and in the words which he
himself has taught ns, ' Our Father who art in heaven,' &c."
The usual Masonic Ceremonial was then gone through, accompanied
by solemn music, and the Grand Master having declared the Founda-
tion-stone to have been hiid according to the rules of the Craft, gave it
three several strokes of the mallet, amidst the most enthusiastic cheer-
ing,— the Band of the Scots Greys playing the Queen's Anthem. The
Grand Master having ascended the platform, preceded by the Substitute
Grand Master and Grand Wardens, spoke as follows : —
" My Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Directors,
" We have just completed the important ceremony for which we
this day assembled. The Foundation-stone of the Public Baths for
the Working-Classes has now been laid with Masonic Honours, in
compliance with their request. Having the honour to hold the high
office of Grand Master of the Free Masons of Scotland, it has fallen
to my lot to take a prominent part in the proceedings of this day, and I
have now the pleasure of addressing you on this occasion. Allow me, my
Lord and Gentlemen, to congratulate you on the commencement of an
Institution which must hereafter prove of the greatest a<lvantage to the
working-classes of this great metropolis, and so be conducive to their
health, cleanliness, and comfort. It must, I feel convinced, be no small
source of pride to you when you think that this excellent Institution
has originated with the working-classes of Edinburgh. It reflects the
greatest credit on them ; and their good example, I feel sure, will be
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 255
speedily followe«l by other large towns in this country. Allow me also
to express to you my admiration at the excellence of all your arrange-
ments on this occasion, and to congratulate you on the order, regularity,
and decorum observed by the numerous large bodies of the trades and
societies, and by the populace in general. . That the work which we
hare th^s day commenced may go on prosperously, and last for genera-
tions, is my most earnest prayer.**
The Lord Provost in reply said —
" Most Worshipful Grai^d Master, — ^I congratulate your Lordship
on being privileged to lay the Foundation of this structure. Your prede-
cessors have laid the Foundation-stones of gorgeous palaces, and solemn
temples, and enduring monuments, which have been planned by the
most exquisite taste and finished with the most perfect skill, and at a
cost which has drained the treasuries of kingdoms. These were gene-
rally raised to gratify the self-love of vain-glorious mortals, but the
structure which we have now commenced, though comparatively
humble, has an importance which few of those magnificent edifices
could pretend to. It is not in its immediate olject that it« value chiefly
consists, but we hail it as evincing an advance in the intelligence and
morality of a large and important class of our fellow-citizens, and as a
pledge of their determination to emancipate themselves from every habit
that has a tendency to lower them in their own estimation and in that
of their fellows. This, I trusty is but the beginning of an onward pro-
gress in purity, and knowledge, and social comfort, and that the children
of those by whose efforts this building is to be reared, will point to it
with grateful recollection and say — this was the commencement of our
improved condition, for which we are indebted to the virtuous exertions
of our Others.
Mr J. Watson, on behalf of the Ordinary Directors, having thanked
the Graud Lodge and the other Lodges for their attendance, and the
Magistrates for their countenance and support, the Grand Chaplain
pronounced the benediction. The Masonic and other Bodies then left
the ground in inverted order. The Grand Lodge, preceded by the
Band of the Scots Greys, and followed by the other Lodges, returned to
the University, where, after a suitable Address from the Most Wor-
shipful the Grand Master, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form,
and the Brethren dispersed.
The utmost order was maintained throughout the entire proceedings,
and it was calculated that not less than seven thousand persons took
part in the Procession, which occupied three-quarters of an hour to pass
a given point.
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250 THE niSTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th August^ it was enacted
'^ That Lodges risiting a Provincial Grand Lodge^ and not under its
jurisdiction^ should he received with the usual Masonic Honours.'* It
was also Resolved, ^^ That no candidate for initiation shall be advanced
from the degree of Apprentice to that of Fellow-Crafty or raised from
the degree of Fellow-Craft to that of Master Mason, at a shorter inter-
val than that of two weeks, unless where it shall be certified bj two
Brethren of the Lodge in which the candidate is to be Passed or Raised
that he is to remove from Scotland within the interval hereby pre-
scribed, or in any particular case of emergency, to be allowed by the
Master of the Lodge on its being specially certified to the satisfisiction of
himself and his Wardens.'*
For some time negotiations had been going on for the purchase of the
Grand Lodge property in Niddry Street> by the Town Council of Edin-
burgh, for the purpose of converting it into a School under the trust-
settlement of the late Dr Bell, the Founder of the Madras system of
Education, and a Missive of Sale was signed in the City Chambers on the
10th day of October, whereby " the whole heritable property belonging
to the Grand Lodge of Scotland at the foot of Niddry Streot, comprising
two halls, shops, &c., was disposed of at the price of L.1800 sterling."
Charters were this year granted to the following Lodges abroad, viz.,
"Adelaide," Adelaide, South Australia; "Rising Star of Western
India," Bombay; ^ St Andrew," Poonah; "Elgin," Jamaica; and
" Acadia," Dartmouth, Nova Scotia ; evidencing the rapid extension of
the Scottish Masonic jurisdiction in the different quarters of the globe :
Fraternal relations were also entered into between the Grand Lodge of
Prussia and the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and the preliminaries arranged
for the appointment of Representatives at these Grand Lodges.
1844. December 2. The Right Honourable George Augustus
Frederick John, Lord Glenlyon, was re-elected Grand Master. At same
meeting Brother the Reverend John Boyle, B. C. L., Incumbent of St
Mark's Episcopal Chapel, Portobello, was elected conjunct Grand Chap-
lain, and Brother David Bryce conjunct Grand Architect.
At the Quarterly Communication held on the 5th May 1845, Dr
Joseph Stewart Hunter was appointed Provincial Grand Master over
the Bermuda Islands.
On 2d November a Charter was granted to several Brethren residing
in Kingston, for holding a Lodge under the style and title of "The
Glenlyon Lodge of Kingston, Jamaica;" which designation had been
fixed upon in compliment to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 257
The Obituary of this year contained the names of Sir Colin Mackenzie
of Kilcoj, Bart., Provincial Grand Master for Ross and Cromartyshires;
Admiral Sir David Milne of Milnegraden, K.C.B., Provincial Grand
Master for Berwickshire, and the Right Honourable Alexander Edward,
Ear] of Dun more, Viscount Fincastle, Past Grand Master.
1845. December 1. The Right Honourable George Augustus Fre-
derick John, Lord Glenlyon, was re-elected • Grand Master; Brother
William Montignani was appointed Grand Director of Music ; and
Brother William Reid, Grand Sword Bearer.
At the Quarterly Communication of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
held on 2d February 1846, the establishment of a Fund of Scottish
Masonic Benevolence was proposed by the Substitute Grand Master,
Brother J. Whyte Melville, and seconded by the Grand Secretary.
At the Communication on 4th May the Grand Lodge cordially con-
curred in the object of Brother Melville's Motion, and appointed a Com-
mittee to consider in what manner the Fund should be raised, and to
frame Regulations for the proper application thereof. In accordance
with this remit, the Committee brought up a Report to the Grand Lodge
at the Quarterly Communication on 3d August, which was unanimously
approved of, and which provided for the establishment of the Fund in
the manner set forth in the annexed Rules, viz.—
'^ This Fund shall be solely and strictly devoted to the purposes of
Charity, and shall not be appropriated to any other purpose whatever.
" Every Office- Bearer of the Grand Lodge shall contribute annually
to the Fund, upon his election to office on 30th November, as follows : —
The Grand >[aster, . L.10 10 0 The Grand Director of
The Depute Grand Master, 5 6 0 Music, . . .
The Substitute Grand Master, 5 5 0 The Grand Sword Bearer,
The Senior Grand Warden, 3 3 0 The Grand Bible Bearer,
The Junior (irand Warden, 3 3 0 The President of the Board
The Grand Treasurer, . 3 3 0 of Grand Stewards, .
The Grand Secretary, . 2 2 0 The Vice President of the
Tho Grand Clerk, . . 2 2 0 Board of Grand Stewards,
The Senior Grand Deacon, 2 2 0 Each Grand Steward,
The Junior Grand Deacon, 2 2 0 Each Master of an Edin-
Tlie Grand Chaplain, 110 burgh, Leith, or Porto-
The (irand Architect, . 110. hello Lodj^e,
The Grand Jeweller, . 0 10 6 Every Proxy Master,
The Grand liard, . . 0 10 6 Every Proxy Warden,
The Grand Director of Cere- Each Edinburj^h, Leith, and
monies, . . . . 0 10 6 Portobello Lodge, . 110
[On 5th February 1849 Provincial Grand Masters were ex officiv declared Mem*
bers of Grand Lodge, and their Annual Subscription fixed at L.2 : 2s.— £.]
17
L.0 10
6
0 10
6
0 10
1
6
I
0 10
6
, 0 10
6
0 7
6
0 7
6
0 5
0
0 2
6
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258 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" The Fund shall be distributed and applied by a Committee, con-
sisting of the Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge, and Masters of
Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello Lodges, and Proxy Masters. Five to
be a quorum j and the Committee shall meet on the last Friday of every
mOnth.
" No Member of Committee shall be allowed to attend the Meetings
of Committee while he is in arrear of his Contribution to the Fund of
Benevolence, or while the Lodge which he represents is in arrear of
Grand Lodge dues.
" The Members of Committee shall not be subject to canvass or solici-
tation, but shall have their minds free from prejudice to decide with
impartiality upon the merits of each case, and if it shall appear to the
Committee that this Rule has been wilfully transgressed by any applicant,
the application shall be deferred for Three Months, or such period as the
Committee may think fit.
" All applications for aid from the Fund must be by Petition, in the
form prescribed by the Committee of Management,^ and must be certi-
fied and recommended by the Master or Proxy Master of the Lodge of
the Brother on whose behalf, or on behalf of whose Widow or Children,
the application is made. And no application shall be received from any
Brother whose name is not enrolled in the Grand Lodge Books, nor from
the Widow or Child of such Brother, subject to the provisions herein-
after contained.
" All applications must be lodged with the Grand Secretary or Grand
Clerk, at least three days previous to a Monthly Meeting of the Com-
mittee.
'* The Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk shall examine each applica-
tion, and certify whether the name of the applicant, or if the application
be from a Widow or Child, that the name of the husband or father, has
been recorded in the Books of the Grand Lo<lge.
** The Committee may, whenever they think fit, appoint a Sub-Com-
mittee specially to investigate into the case of any applicant, and to
report to the Committee.
" The Committee shall not allow any applicants to become pensioners
on the Fund ; and repeated applications from the same parties are to be
discouraged.
" The Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk shall attend the Meetings of
Committee, and enter in a book the various applications, with the names
of the applicants, and sums granted by the Committee. The Chairman
shall also sign or initial upon each application the deliverance of the
^ [The Forms of Application will be found in the Appendix, Nos. XXI and
XXn, m/'^— E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FEEB MASONRY. 259
Committee, which shall be a warrant to the Grand Treasurer^ Grand
Secretary, or Grand Clerk, to pay the respective sums granted.
" Notwithstanding that this Fand is intended for the relief exdusively
of Scottish Masons, their wires, and children, the Committee may, in
cases of extraordinary distress^ afford relief to Brethren under the Con-
stitution of the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, or of Foreign
Countries, on the production of Certificates from their respective Lodges;
or other sufficient evidence^ certificates, or testimonials, to the satis&c<-
tion of the Committee, and on satisfactory proof of the identity and
distress of the applicant.
" In cases of peculiar urgency it shall be competent for the Grand
Secretary to call a special meeting of the Committee to consider and
dispose of such cases, without waiting for the next monthly meeting.
" And the Grand Lodge direct that the foregoing Regulations shall
be referred to the Committee now deliberating on the Grand Lodge
Laws, with instructions to embody them in the Laws and Constitutions
of the Grand Lodge."
It is gratifying to record that the ready support of the Scotch Brethren,
both in this country and abroad, aided by several donations/ has more
than realised the most sanguine expectations of the judicious Founders
of '^ The Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence." Experience has
proved the utility of the scheme, and though previously the Grand
Lodge Charity Fund was admirably administered, its precarious income
was yearly expended in relieving the numerous calls made upon it by
indigent Brethren, the widows, and the fatherless ; now, however, the
income can be more accurately calculated upon, and notwithstanding
the amount annually expended in relief, the Committee, by careful
management and the liberality of the Craft, have always been -enabled
to make yearly addition to the reserve fund.>
At this Communication (dd August) Brother James Hunter Ross, of
Melbourne, was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the Province of
Victoria.
The Duntocher and Faifley Union Lodge was allowed to transfer
its Charter from the Province of Dumbarton to that of Glasgow.
The interesting and imposing ceremony of the Inauguration of the
Scott Monument and Statue having been fixed for Saturday the 15th
^ [One of these was from the Brethren of Sherborne, as part of the proceeds
raised at Lectures delivered by the celebrated philanthropist and Oriental
traveller. Brother the Rev. Dr Joseph Wolff.— E.]
• [A statement of the Income and Expenditure of The Fund of Scottish
Masonic Benevolence for 1856-67 will form Appendix No. XXIV of thisYolume.
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2(S0 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of August; the anniversary of Sir Walter Scott's birth-day, and the
Grand Lodge having been requested to take a prominent part in the pro-
ecedings, it was arranged that the Brethren, the Civic Authorities, and
the Original and Auxiliary Committees of the Monument should meet at
one o'clock on that day, in the Hall of the High School, Calton Hill,
from whence they moved in procession towards the Monument about a
quarter past two, proceeding along the London Road, Waterloo Place, and
Princes Street, amidst the frequent applause of the assembled multitudes,
and entered Princes Street gardens by the west gate, opposite the
Royal Institution. The Junior Lodge having arrived at the entrance
to the inclosed area, halted, aud took open order, all the other Lodges
in the rear following the like example, so that the Grand Lodge
passed through their ranks to the site of the Statue, attended only
by the Masters and Wardens of each Lodge present — the other Lodges
following according to seniority. The Most Worshipful The Grand
Master, preceded by his S word-Bearer, and attended .by the Right
Worshipful Depute and Substitute, the Grand Wardens, and other
Officers, passed to, and took their stations on the east of the Pedes-
tal, within the screens ; and the Lord Provost and Magistrates, &c.,
having taken their places on the steps leading to the elevated centre
and Statue, at a given signal a salute was fired by the Royal Artil-
lery placed on the sfiuthem bank of the gardens. On the report of
the first gun the screens, which had hid the Statue of the " Great
Unknown," fell on the instant, displaying a splendid tableau. The Mili-
tary Bands having performed the Queen's Anthem, the Ceremonial of
the Inauguration commenced by Brother Stewart of Douglas, the Senior
Grand Chaplain, offering up the following eloquent and appropriate
Prayer : —
" With what reverence, 0 God, does it become us to adore Thee, as
the Eternal and Infinite Jehovah — the uncreated source of all created
existence — our faithful and gracious Creator — the Father of Lights, from
Whom cometh down every good and perfect gift. At this auspicious
moment we own with equal humility and gratitude our dependence upon
Thy blessing for snccess in all our undertakings. We know, and we
delight in acknowledging, that except the Lord build the house they
labour in vain that build it ; and now that our hearts rejoice in the
happy completion of this great work, in which the National feelings
have been so much interested, we would give vent to our joy in ardent
Thanksgiving for Thy protecting Providence, which has watched over
all who have been engaged in it, and through which it has been com-
pleted without one fatal or unhappy contingency during its progress :
In this we would gladly recognize Thy gracious approval of the
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TH£ HISTORY OF FREB MA80NRT. 201
Spirit and the motives in which it was andertaken, and humbly
trust, as we devoutly pray, that through Thy continued blessing the
views and the hopes in which it ha« been projected and carried ou may
be amply realised. Long may this structure remain the ornament and
the honour of this City, the memorial of the Nation's admiration and
gratitude to one who drew in it his first breath, whose genius was
nurtured in its seminaries and matured amidst its intellectual society,
and who has thrown around it a lustre of literary glory which has out-
shone even its own former splendour : Long may it endure — a monu-
ment of the respect and affection entertained by his countrymen of his
own time, for him to whose honour it has been reared, and who was not
less amiable than great. May it call forth in succeeding generations
the kindred feelings with which his memory should be cherished,
whose high powers of mind derived grace and dignity from the con-
genial qualities of a generous and magnanimous heart. May the view
of this mat^nificent tribute to talent and to worth, while it kindles the
emulation of genius, remind the aspirant to similar fame how much
the splendour of the most brilliant talents is heightened by virtue. And
when time shall have drawn over this structure his obscuring or defacing
hand, or shall have crumbled it in the dust, may the nobler monument
which Scott has raised for himself in his works perpetuate his fame,
abet and aid the inspiration of genius, and hallow it with the sacred
glow of Christian benevolence and piety. May many congenial spirits
arise to do honour to our Nation, and maintain the forward place
which it now holds in the career of literature and science. May the
talents which Thou bestowest be held by their possessors under a deep
feeling of their responsibility ; and, united with the principles and dis-
positions which Thou approvest, may they be at once the glory and the
blessing of our land. We thank Thee for the cordial and successful exer-
tions of kindred genius which thisfavourite National work has called forth ;
we rejoice that in this Statue of him to whose memory we are now met
to do honour the intellectual power and the benignity of the original
are so faithfully and happily expressed ; and we rejoice in the animating
scene now before us, — in the myriads whose National feelings have brought
them together to take part in the tribute of respect paid this day to him
whom all regard as the Nation's pride : We cannot look without grati-
tude to Thee from whom all good gifts proceed for this interesting
feature in the national character, and without an earnest supplication for
Thy blessing on all now before us, and on all our countrymen through-
out the World. We implore Thy blessing on this City. Bless it in its
University and all its seminaries of learning : May it long retain its
eminence as a seat of literature and science. Bless it in its Magis-
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262 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
trates, its Ministers, the Judges of the Land, and the whole body of the
people : May they be distinguished by the influence of ' that wisdom
which is from abovO; which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be
entreated, full of mercy and of good fruits, without partiality, and with-
out hypocrisy.' We offer our earnest prayer for Thy blessing on all in
authority over us — ^for our beloved Queen, her Royal Consort^ their
Boyal Progeny, and all the other branches of the Royal Family. And
now, 0 Heavenly Father, may Thy blessing rest on all of us here before
Thee, through Christ our Lord." " So mote it be."
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master Lord Glenlyon then went
through the ceremony usual on such occasions as follows : —
Grand Master. — ^Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master, you
will cause the various implements to be applied to the Pedestal, and
prove that it has been completed according to the Rules of Architecture.
Whereupon the Substitute Grand Master ordered the Wardens to do
their duty; and the Wardens having applied the proper working tools
to the Pedestal, declared their satisfaction of the work to the Most
Worshipful Grand Master.
Grand Master. — Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, What is
the proper Jewel of your office ? — The Square. Have you applied the
Square to those parts of the Pedestal that are square ? — I have. Most
Worshipful Grand Master.
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, What is the proper Jewel
of your Office 1 — The Plumb line. Have you applied the Plumb to
the several edges of the stone ? — I have. Most Worshipful Grand
Master.
Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master, .What is the proper
Jewel of your Office 1 — The Level. Have you applied the Level to the
top of the Pedestal 1 — I have, Most Worshipful Grand Master.
The Grand Master then said. Having, my Right Worshipful Brethren^
full confidence in your skill in our Royal Art, it remains with me now
to finish this Work, whereupon he gave the Pedestal three knocks,
saying, — " May the Almighty Architect of the Universe shower down
His blessings upon this undertaking, and on the happy completion of
this our work, and may it stand firm and sure in all future time, until
the surrounding structures have crumbled to dust." " So mote it be."
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master then came forward and said
*' My Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Gentlemen of the Original and
Auxiliary Committees, I have to congratulate you this day on the com-
pletion of this splendid Monument, which will stand to future genenir-
tions as a memorial of that illustrious Poet and Novelist, the lato Sir
Walter Scott. I am sure that all of you must have experienced the
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. ^63
greatest delight in participating in the proceedings of this day. It was
in 1S40 that one of my predecessors laid the Fonndation-stone of this
beautiful structure ; and we all feel deeply grateful to the Great Archi-
tect of the Universe that in the course of its erection not a single
accident occurred — a circumstance, I believe, almost unprecedented in
the rearing of such a stately edifice. No words of mine can express the
feelings of pride and pleasure with which I have presided at this most
interesting National Ceremonial — feelings which, I have no doubt, are
fully shared in by the many thousands I now see around me, 1 beg,
therefore, as my pleasing and final duty, to hand over this Monument,
duly finished, to the care of the Original and Auxiliary Committees, and
to the Lord Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh, as a testimony to
the memory of the great Novelist and Minstrel, in whom Scotland and
the Scottish Craft have been so highly honoured, and as an additional
ornament to this beautiful and romantic city."
The Lord Provost, addressing Lord Glenlyon, said — ''I congratulate
you, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, and I congratulate the country-
men of Sir Walter Scott, on now seeing placed on its pedestal, in this mag-
nificent Monument, a Statue worthy of its shrine. The tribute of a Nation's
gratitude to one of the most honoured of her sons, adds a new feature of
beauty and of grace to his native City, but the halo of his genius sheds a
far brighter lustre over the name of Edinburgh and of Scotland. As one
burning torch not only illulninates the sphere of its own brightness, but
kindles the latent fire in others, so who can tell how many dormant
spirits have been roused to arduous and successful exertion by the honour-
able example of Scott ; even here we see how the glowing genius of the
Poet has stirred the soul of the Architect, and awakened the talents of
the Sculptor, whose skilful chissel has moulded the rude block into the
all but breathing form and features of Scotland's darling son. While
we lament the untimely fate of the gifted Architect, we rejoice in the
growing vigour of our own citizen-Sculptor, — who, by this exquisite
work of art, has given earnest of future production that will rival the
works of the most celebrated artists of this or other Countries. The sister
arts of architecture and sculpture here vie with each other in presenting
their richest ofierings to the genius of poetry, history, and romance, and
they are themselves signally honoured in combining to honour him who
has contributed so largely to the instruction and enjoyment of the human
race. This Monument and Statue, admirable for beauty and dura-
bility, I trust will long adorn our City ; but though they crumble into
dust, the Author of Waverly has reared for himself Monuments of more
surpassing beauty, and more lasting endurance, and more extensive
celebrity. The forked lightning may dash these turrets to the ground.
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264 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the tooth of time will corrode these marble features, but over the Monu-
ments of his mental creation the elements have no power; these will con-
tinue to be honoured at home, and under distant and more genial skies.
Continents as yet unexplored will be taught bj the wisdom of Scotland
enlivened by his wit, and rivers unknown to song will resound with the
lays of his minstrelsy ; but nowhere will his memory be cherished with
fonder attachment and more enduring delight than in the cities and
hamlets of his own beloved land."
The Reverend John Boyle of Portobcllo, the Junior Grand Chaplain,
then delivered the following Address : — " It now devolves upon me,
my Lord, to close this deeply interesting Ceremony, and in thus dis-
charging my official duty, I am glad to be relieved from the necessity
of occupying any considerable portion of the time of this vast Assembly.
The appropriate prayer of my respected colleague— the suitable remarks
of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Lord Glenlyon — and the
sentiments which have been so gracefully and touchingly uttered by
your Lordship, have rendered it needless for me to say more than
that I feel it to be no ordinary privilege to be called upon to assist
in honouring the memory of one whose genius has irradiated —
whose writings have immortalized — and whose virtues have honoured
the land which gave him birth ; and in the name and on behalf
of my native Country, I beg you to believe that, with whatever
pride Scotland may mention the name of Walter Scott, England will
never cease to connect with it sentiments of high approval — of grateful
veneration — ^and of lasting regard. It only remains, my Lord, that I
invoke the blessing of Heaven upon the countless masses now assembled
to pay so well-earned a tribute to the mighty Minstrel, whose almost
breathing effigy has now been solemnly inaugurated,*'* — ^and turning to the
spectators, Mr Boyle pronounced the ^Benediction ;' — " The peace of God
which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord :
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. — Amen."
" Rule Britannia" having been played by the Bands, upon a signal
another salute was fired, terminating the proceedings, which through-
^ [The Statue is a fine specimen of the talents of Steel (the Sculptor), com-
prising, as it does, not merely a mechanical likeness of the features, but a depth
and vivacity of expression which embraces the miud. It gives a finish to the
design, and hei/^htens the effect of the Monument, which is a model of judgment,
taste, and architectural symmetry, of which every varied aspect discloses fresh
beauties, and is truly a relic of departed genius. It excites a mixed feeling —
admiration of the talents and fancy of Brother Kemp (the Architect), who gave
effect to 80 grand a conception, and of sympathy for his untimely fate.— E.J
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 265
out had excited a lively interest in the community, all classes evinc-
ing an anxious disposition to join in this last tribute to the memory
of so illustrious a man, endeared to many not less by the recollection
of his warm affections and social qualities, than by his unrivalled
talents. It was a matter of gratification that the unique and splendid
structure, so chaste in its design, and beautiful in it« proportions, was now
completed, and that a memorial worthy of the great name and distinguish-
ed claims of the illustrious Novelist now existed in the Metropolis of that
Country which he has rendered so celebrated. To Scotland his mind
and all the inspirations of his genius were ever devoted : Scotland was
the inspiring theme which awakened all his sympathies : Her antiquities,
her scenery, her brilliant chivalry, her national character, her language,
her manners, in all their delicate and fleeting shades^ were not merely
studied by him, they were the visions that possessed his fancy in that
season when impressions are made on the mind which never decay, and
which his whole after life accordingly was devoted to illustrate and adorn.
The Procession returned in inverted order to the High School, where
the Grand Lodge, which had been opened there in ample form in the
Hall, was now closed with solemn Prayer, and the usual formalities.
At the Quarterly Couiuiunication on 2d November, Brother Allan
Macfarlan of Glensloy tras appointed Provincial Grand Master of
Southern Australia ; and Brother Alexander Hadden of Perseley, Pro-
vincial Grand Master of the Aberdeen City Province.
At a pro re naia meeting held on the 16th November, Brother James
Linning Woodman, C.S., was elected Grand Clerk by a majority of 190,
in room of Brother John Maitland, resigned.
1846. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, was elected Grand Master; the Honourable
Robert Sandilands, Master of Torphichen, was appointed Provincial
Grand Master of ^ Linlithgowshire ; and * Brother James Robertson
chosen Grand Director of Ceremonies. ^
At the Quarterly Communication on 1st February 1847, Brother John
Campbell Ronton of Mordington was appointed Provincial Grand Master
for Berwickshire, and Brother Sir Evan Mackenzie of Kilcoy, Bart., for
Ross and Cromarty shires.
The Grand Lodge agreed to an interchange of Representatives with
the Grand Lodge of England, and authorised a commission in favour of
Brother John Maitland, (late Grand Clerk,) with the rank of a Junior
Grand Warden, to be expede, so soon as the Grand Lodge of England
should be prepared on its part to appoint a Repre8enta.tive to the Grand
Lodge of Scotland.
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THB HISTORY OF PBEE MASONRY.
On the 9th April the Foandati on-stone of the Caledonian Railway
Station, at the Edinburgh Terminus, was laid by his Grace the Duke of
Athole, the Most Worshipfnl the Grand Master, with Masonic Honours.
The Brethren assembled at one o'clock in the Music Hall, George Street,
to the number of five hundred and upwards. The Band of the 76th
Regiment was placed in the gallery of the Hall during the assembling
of the Lodges, and played alternately with the organ. Over the
entrance to the Assembly Rooms the Union Jack was suspended, and
on the street fifteen beautiful silk banners were displayed, on which
were inscribed the names of the yarious railways with which the Cale-
donian line is more or less connected, as also the names of the Direc-
tors of the Company, and the Engineers and OontrGu;tors for the works
on the line. The route of the procession from the Music Hall, along
George Street, Frederick Street, and Princes Street, to the Lothian
Road, was lined by the 3d Dragoon Guards. At twenty minutes past
two o'clock the procession moved off in the following order : —
Band of the Third Dragoon Guards, preceding the following Lodges : —
Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith,
Roman Eagle, headed by their Champion in complete armour,
on horseback.
Edinburgh Defensive Band.
St Stephen, Edinburgh.
St James, Edinburgh.
St Andrew, Edinburgh.
St Luke, Edinburgh.
St David, Edinburgh.
Kilwinning, Peebles.
Ancient Brazen, Linlithgow.
Kilwinning, Dalkeith.
Journeymen, Edinburgh.
Kilwinning, Hamilton.
Canongato and Leith, Leith and
Canongate.
Canongate Kilwinning.
The Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's
Chapel.
Proxies of various Daughter Lodges.
Band of the 76th Foot.
The Grand Lodge op Scotland.
Grand Tyler.
Grand Steward.
Compass.
Grand Steward.
Square.
Grand Steward.
Mallet,
Grand Steward.
Band of Music.
(With Draton Swords,)
(With White Rods.)
( Carried hy Operatives. J
Grand Tyler.
Grand Steward.
Level.
Grand Steward.
Plumb.
Grand Steward.
(Carried by an Operative.)
Grand Steward.
(Carried hy Operatives.)
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MA80NRT. 267
Silver Vase. Cornnoopia. Silrex Vase.
Grand Steward. GraDd Steward.
Grand Director of Ceremonies. Grand Bard. Grand Director of Music.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Architect.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
( U%her of White Rod.) Grand Bible Bearer. ( Ussier of White Rod.)
Grand Chaplain in his Gown.
Grand Steward. Sen. G. Deacon. Jun. G. Deacon. Grand Steward.
Grand Secretary. Grand Clerk.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Senior Grand Warden. {With Batons.) Junior Grand Warden.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Depute Grand Master. Substitnte Grand Master.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Grand Sword Bearer.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master.
Grand Steward, I MasterofGwnd Stewards, | Grand Steward,
^,«-,T^ « , . \ iCarryingOrand Master's Rod.) \ ,,„, / ^ , .
(White Bod.) M ^ ^ M (WhUe Rod.)
Grand Steward. Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Mounted Escort of Third Dragoon Guards.
The ground was judiciously appropriated to the accommodation of
the company, three sides of the area being fitted with large and secure
platforms^ adorned with various flags.
The Brethren having taken their places, the Band played the National
Anthem, the company remaining uncovered, after which an impressive
prayer was offered up by the Grand Chaplain.
The Grand Secretary then deposited in the cavity of the stone a glass
bottle^ hermetically sealed^ containing the various current coins of the
present reign ; the Act of Parliament constituting the Caledonian Rail-
way Company; the names of the Directors of the Company; a list of
the Members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, together with a copy of
the last Annual Circular issued by the Grand Lodge; a copy of the
Scottish Railway Gazette^ Edinburgh Courant, and Caledonian Mercury,
with a copy of Oliver and Boyd's Edinburgh Almanack for 1847 ; after
which the Grand Clerk placed a plate of copper over the cavity, on
which was the following inscription : —
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268 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
The Fonndation-stone
of the
Caledonian Railway Station,
at
The Edinburgh Terminus,
Was laid with Masonic Honours on the 9th daj of April 1847|
In the Tenth Year of the Reign of
Queen Victoria,
by
The Grand Lodge op Scotland,
His Grace the Duke of Athole, Grand Master Mason,
Assisted by the other Officers of the Grand Lodge,
in presence of
The Lord Provost and Magistrates of Edinburgh,
and
The Directors of the Caledonian Railway.
William Tite, Esq., London, Architect.
Joseph Locke and John Edward Errington, Esquires, Engineers.
John CoUister, Esq., Resident Engineer.
Messrs John Stephenson and Co., Contractors.
Messrs Hope, Oliphant, and Mackay, W.S., Solicitors.
The stone wa.s then lowered, the Band playing the Masonic Anthem,
and the square, plummet, and level, having been respectively applied to
it, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master said it now remained for him
to finish this new work, which he did by the usual ceremony of three
strokes of the mallet. Immediately after, the cornucopia was handed
to his Grace, who strewed the corn it contained on the top of the stone,
and also puured upon it wine and oil, praying that the Great Archi-
tect of the Universe would bless the work which was now commenced,
and that through His almighty protection it might remain to future
generations as an evidence of that day's labour. His Grace next
addressed the Chairman and Directors as follows : —
*' Mr Chairman and Directors, —
" Allow me to congratulate you on the commencement of the
splendid edifice you contemplate erecting here. I need not on this
occasion enter upon the merits of the Caledonian Railway ; they re-
commend themselves, and no words of mine can in any way enhance
the value of such a line of railway, which is intended to open up a
communication between Scotland and the metropolis of England. I
shall therefore restrict myself to a very few words in allusion to
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TBB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 269
the work wbich we have this day commeticed by laying the Foun-
datioD-stone of the Station here. Mr Chairman and Directors, it
was with great satisfaction that I examined your plans and elevations,
which were submitted to me early this morning. I must say that these
do the utmost credit* not only to the architect, but to you. I am aware
that you have manifested much anxiety that the edifice should be every
way worthy of this great Metropolis and of your Company, and you have
spared neither trouble nor expense in effecting this purpose. I under-
stand that the building is the design of Mr Tite, the eminent architect,
the same who drew the plan of the Royal Exchange, London ; and^ so
hkT as I am able to judi^e, they fully sustain the credit of that distin-
guished individual, while they reflect honour on the Directory by whom
his plans were adopted. The building just commenced will be an addi-
tion to the many splendid edifices already existing in tliis city. The
last time I had the honour of appearing in public in Edinburgh was at
the ceremony of the Inauguration of the Monument to the late Sir
Walter Scott; and when this building is completed it will prove another
ornament to the capital of Scotland. Allow me to say I have had the
greatest gratification in appearing here to-day, and taking part in the
business in which we have been engaged. I must once more congratu-
late you on this auspicious event ; no one I can assure yon has a greater
desire for the success of the Caledonian Railway, or would more cordially
aid in promoting its prosperity than myself, and I once more bei^ to
say that I wish all possible prosperity to this National undertaking."
John James Hope Johnstone, Esq. of Annandale, M.P., the Chair-
man of the Company, then addressed the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master in the following terms : — *' In the name of the Directors of the
Caledonian Railway Company, and all those who are engaged in carry-
ing out this great work, I beg to return your Grace and the other
Members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland our sincere and grateful
thanks for the honour you have done us in attending this day to com-
plete the ceremony of laying the Foundation-stone of our Station here.
We have felt indeed, that whatever privileges the Company may possess,
that these also are attended with important duties ; and we have en-
deavoured to find plans for our building here on a scale that will do no
discredit to the magnificence of this great city. We thought the best
course for us to follow was to place ourselves in the hands of a gentle-
man of professional eminence, and at once commit the plans to his care,
with the complete security that by so doing we would attain what we
desired. We have heard, with the most sincere satisfaction, that after
having examined the plans of Mr Tite, your Grace and the Grand
Lodge of Scotland felt that they were worthy of your approbation. Yon
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270 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
may rest assured that it is the most anxious wish of the Directors that
this great undertaking may be brought into operation in a manner
affording the most complete accommodation to the public. We feel that
we are bound to attend to the wants, and consult the interests of every
class of society, and I trust when our own arrangements are completed^
the line will be found not only to add to the prosperity of this city but
to Scotland at large. Permit me again to return our sincere and grate-
ful thanks for the honour which your Grace and the Members of the
Grand Lodge have done us in attending on this occasion.**
Mr John Stephenson, the Contractor of the Works, having briefly
addressed the assembly, and the ceremonies connected with laying the
Foundation-stone being completed, the Procession moved off in reverse
order to the Music Hall, where the Lodges partook of a refection, and the
Grand Lodge was closed with the usual solemnities.
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d May a letter from Brother
Em. D. Faure, of the Lodge United Brothers, Trinidad, in relation to
the Installation of Right Worshipful Masters, having been read and con-
sidered, the Grand Lodge pronounced the following deliverance : —
'^ The Grand Lodge of Scotland, since its establishment, has never
acknowledged, as connected with St John's Masonry, any degree, or
secrets of any degree, but thpse imparted to every Master Mason, Fel-
low-Craft, and Entered Apprentice, and reiterates her injunctions to all
Provincial Grand Masters not to permit any other to be practised in
the Lodges under them in their respective Provinces. The Grand Lodge
farther considers every Master Mason qualified to be elected to, and fill
the Chair as Right Worshipful Master, without receiving any additional
degree or secrets whatever, and that it is inconsistent with the Grand
Lodge Laws to require such. The Grand Lodge farther declares, that
the Installation of the whole Office-bearers, including the Master, ought
to take place in a just and perfect Lodge, opened in the Apprentice
degree, where at least three Masters, twu Fellow-Crafts, and two Ap-
prentices must be present ; or, failing Craftsmen and Apprentices, the
same number of Masters, who for the time being are held to be only of
these degrees."
The prayer of a Petition from certain Brethren in Montreal, for the
erection of a new Lodge there, under the style and title of " The Elgin
Lodge of Montrqal," was unanimously granted, as was also that from
various Brethren in Edinburgh, for the erection of another Lodge in that
city, under the style and title of '' The Lodge St Clair, Edinburgh."
The Grand Clerk, seconded by the Grand Secretary, having moved at
the Quarterly Communication in January last that the Fees on Charters
should be reduced from L.2I to L.10, 10s., the motion was at this meet*
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 271
ing unanimously carried^ and the dues reduced accordingly. The thanks
of the Grand Lodge were at the same time voted to the Grand Clerk
and Grand Secretary for the very handsome and disinterested manner
in which they had brought forward this motion.
The unanimous thanks of the Grand Lodge were at the same time
voted to the Right Worshipful Master, Office-bearers, and Members of
the Lodge Kilwinning-in-the-East, Calcutta, for the kind and fraternal
feelings evinced by them to the distressed in the hour of need, in trans-
mitting to the Grand Secretary the sum of L.d4, 5s. towards the miti-
gation of the destitution in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
At the meeting of Grand Committee on 11th May, the Rev. the
Grand Chaplain was appointed to consecrate the Lodge St Clair,
Edinburgh, on such a day as would be most suitable to the Members
thereof.
At a pro re nata meeting held on Slst May, Brother Archibald Alison,
(now Sir Archibald Alison, Bart.,) was appointed Provincial Grand
Master of the City of Glasgow Province^ and at a Special meeting of
the Grand Lodge, held in Glasgow on the Ist June, his Installation
took place in the Trades* Hall, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
presiding. Upwards of 500 Brethren attended a Festival in the evening
in celebration of the occasion.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d August, the Lodge "Scoon
and Perth," No. 3, which had been for many years erroneously desig-
nated as " Perth and Scoon," in the Roll of the Grand Lodge, was, on
Petition, ordered to be recognised in future by its correct appellation.
The Charters to the Lodges " Hope,'' Kurrachee, Scinde, and " Per-
severance," Bombay, granted by Brother James Burnes, K.H., in virtue
of his commission to that effect, were confirmed at the Quarterly Com-
munication on 8th November.
This year's Obituary contained the names of Brother William Downe
Gillon of Wallhouse, Provincial Grand Master of Linlithgowshire ;
Brother Patrick Maxwell Stewart, M.P., Provincial Grand Master of
West Renfrewshire, who was the fourth member of his family who had
filled that office in regular succession ; and Brother Major D. Deuchar^
late of the 1st or Royal Regiment of Foot, for many years an able and
efficient member of the Grand Lodge.
1847. NovEHBER 30. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, was re-elected Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th February 1848, a revised
edition of the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge was unani-
mously approved of, and the sanction of the Grand Lodge ordered to be
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272 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
prefixed thereto. This edition embraces the Enactments passed since
1836, besides many new Regulations; and the Introduction and Appen-
dix contain much additional valuable and interesting matter. As this
is the code by which all Daughter Lodges are now governed, and as
the rales therein laid down are so well known, further remarks upon
the various judicious alterations thereon is deemed superfluous ; but as
section 6 of Chap, xix shows the necessity for regularity on the part of
Subordinate Lodges in returning for registration to the Grand Lodge
the names of all Brethren initiated therein, and as its provisions, which
cannot be too widely known or promptly acted upon, are of primary
importance to unfortunately a large class of the Craft, or of those whose
welfare is bound up in theirs, its insertion in this place is deemed both
a duty and a service. It provides as follows :—
^^ No Charity Petition can he received [by the Fund of Scottish
Masonic Benevolence] from any Brother whose name is not enrolled in
the books of the Grand Lodge, or from the Widow or Child of suck
Brother"
Quarto Presentation Copies of the New Laws and Constitutions were
voted to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the Depute and Sub-
stitute Grand Masters, the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, and to
the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, the Supreme Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of Scotland, &c.
At this meeting an interchange of Representatives with the Grand
Lodge of Hesse Darmstadt was agreed to. On making this suggestion
the Lodge of He;»se Darmstadt at the same time transmitted a handsome
copy of their Laws for presentation to the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
His Grace the Duke of Athole, accompanied by the Office- Bearers of
the Grand Lod^e, paid a Grand Visitation on 14th April to the Lodge
Journeymen, No. 8, and were received by the Right Worshipful Master
thereof, and his Wardens and Brethren, with every mark of Masonic
respect; on leaving. His Grace expressed himself highly gratified with
his reception, and the very exemplary and efficient working of the Lodge.
On 26th September the Foundation-6t<me of the New Sessional
School, Canongate, was laid with Masonic Honours, under sanction of
the Grand Lodge, by the Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge St
Stephen. No. 145.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th November a Charter was
granted to certain Brethren in Halifax for the erectioiy of a new Lodge
there, under the style and title of the " Burns Lodge of Halifax, Nova
Scotia."
A quarto copy of the new edition of the Grand Lodge Laws was
ordered to be presented, with a suitable inscription, to Brother Stewart
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TUB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 273
Watson, in appreciation of his liberal donation of 250 copies of the Host
Worshipful the Grand Master's portrait, which had been inserted as a
most appropriate frontispiece into the said quarto edition.
The following Provincial Grand Masters (in addition to Sir Archi-
bald Alison, whose installation has been already noticed) were appoint-
ed in the course of this year, viz. — Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart,
Bart., of Ardgowan, to the Province of West Renfrew ; James Duff, Esq ,
M.P., (now Earl of Fife,) to the Province of Banff ;^ John Dalrymple,
Esq., M.P., (now Viscount Dalrymple,) to that of Wigton and Kirkcud-
bright ; Dr James M'Fadyen, Kingston, to Jamaica ; and the Honour-
able Alexander Keith, Halifax, for Nova Scotia, &c.
1848. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, Grand Master. Brother Andrew Murray was
elected Grand Sword Bearer.
The Festival of St Andrew was celebrated in the evening as usual,
in the course of which Brother W. A. Laurie, Grand Secretary, present-
ed to the Grand Lodge on behalf of Brother Bredenberg of Stockholm, a
Swedish Masonic Silver Medal, bearing a beautiful medallion likeness of
the late King Charles (John) XIV, commemorative of His Majesty when
Grand Master and Protector of the Grand Lodge of Sweden, which was
instituted about a century ago under the auspices, and by warrant from,
the Grand Lodge of Scotland. At the suggestion of the Most Worshipful
the Grand Master the thanks of the Grand Lodge wove unanimously
voted to Brother Bredenberg for his fraternal donation. A similar gift
from the present King of Sweden was presented on behalf of His Majesty
to the Grand Lodge by the Grand Secretary at the Quarterly Ck>mmuni-
cation on 7th May 1 849, for which the most grateful thanks of The Grand
Lodge were returned to His Majesty for the fraternal and condescending
remembrance bestowed by him on the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th February 1849, The Right
Honourable Charles, Earl of Aboyne, was appointed Provincial Grand
Master for West Aberdeenshire. A Charter was of this date granted
to the Lodge *' Kilwinning-in-the-East," Calcutta, and on the 8th one
to the Lodge *' Caledonian Railway, Edinburgh."
At this meeting the Grand Lodge expressed the feeling of deep
regret with which they now heard of the death of Brother William
Campbell, President of the Board of Grand Stewards, and Proxy Master
of the Lodge St James, Doune, a devoted and upright Member of the
Craft, who for upwards of half a centnry had been connected with the
Grand Lodge, and had on all occasions zealously promoted the best
interests of the Order.
18
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274 THE HISTORY OF FRfiB MASONRY.
On 18th Jnne^ the Lodge St John, DunfermliDe, was authorised to
preside at the Inauguration of the Statue erected there to the memory
of the Rev. Balph Erskine.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th August, the Foundation-
stone of the Barony Parish Poors' House, Glasgow, was authorised to be
laid by the Provincial Grand Master of the City of Glasgow Province ;
and power was at the same time given him to receive the adhesion to
the Grand Lodge of Scotland, of the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, who
claimed to hold a Charter from Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland.*
On 10th September, the valuable and unique Masonic Library col-
lected by the deceased Dr Charles Morison of Greenfield, Physician to
the Forces^ and which was presented to the Grand Lodge of Scotland
by his widow, was received by the Grand Secretary, along with the fol-
lowing letter of presentation : —
"Paris, 2ith August 1849.
''Sir, — It was the wish of my late lamented husband, Dr Charles
Morison, that his collection of Masonic Books and Manuscripts, which
has occupied the last twenty-five years of his life, should at his decease
be preserved intact, and that the same should if possible become the
property of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, although he left no direction
to that efiect. It is therefore a melancholy satisfaction to me to pay
respect to what I understood his wishes to be ; and in compliance with
them, I beg to present i^uch Masonic Library to the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, upon condition that the same be preserved intact ; that none
of the Books or Manuscripts be sold or destroyed, but that any that may
be declined by the Grand Lodge be returned to me.
" If the offering prove acceptable to the Grand Lodge, and to the
Brethren at large, I shall be satisfied that I have done what I know
would be agreeable to my husband. The Grand Lodge having ex-
pressed a wish to possess a likeness of my husband, I beg leave to inform
you that I have an excellent miniature of him, which I will either have
* [This ancient Lodge which, between the years 1626 and 1628, had joined
with the other Lodges then existin^^ in Scotland, viz : — '' The Lodge of Edin-
burgh, The Lodge of Ayre, The Lodge of Stirlinge, The Lodge of DunfermliDge,
The Lodge of Sant Androis, and The Lodge of Dundee," — in granting a Charter
to Sir William St Clair of " Rosling," but which ''Lodge of Glasgow" had
not, at the time of remodelling The Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736, joined
that body,— was received into full communion vrith the Grand Lodge at the
Quarterly Communication on 6th May 1850, and a place corresponding with
its antiquity, compared with that of other Lodges in the Glasgow Province,
assigned to it on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, viz. No. S-*. — E.1
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 275
copied for the Grand Lodge, or by my Will I will bequeath to the
Brethren, i
" Mr de Bemardy, who was a friend of my late husband, and who
kindly takes charge of the books to present in my name, knows exactly
my wishes and feelings^ and will act for me in all respects as I would
myself. — I am, Sir, your's obediently,
" Emily Morison, No. 1 9, Quai Malaquais.
" To the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Scotland."
To which communication the Grand Lodge sent the following
reply :—
** Edinburgh^ December 14, 1849.
'' Madam, — ^The very handsome present which, by your letter of 24th
August last, you were pleased to make to the Grand Lodge of Scotland^
of the extensiye, rare, and most valuable Masonic Library collected by
your late husband Dr Charles Morison of Greenfield, was officially inti-
mated to the Grand Lodge at its Quarterly Communication on 5th
ultimo.
" Be assured that the Grand Lodge is deeply sensible of the extreme
liberality on your part, which has dictated the bestowal of this gift, and
while it justly prizes and has reason to be proud of the unique collection
of books which it can now call its own, it must ever highly value that
Library, not only from respect to yourself, the donor^ but in remembrance
of the eminent Brother through whose indefatigable zeal, industry, and
untiring perseverance, so varied a collection has been gathered together."
"The Grand Lodge, at the Quarterly Communication referred to,
readily undertook to redeem the pledge come under to you on its behalf
by the Grand Committee, viz. — ^that your wishes and those of Dr
^ [The original Miniature was sabsequently presented by Mrs Morison, and
18 now io possession of the Grand Lodge. — £.]
' [" Le Franc Magon/' a Monthly Review, published in Paris (March and
April 1849), in an article by Jos^phe on the late Brother Morison, stated that
he had refused 12,000 francs (L.500 sterling) for his Library. The Librarian
who wished to buy it from him owned that it was worth 20,000 francs
(L.883:6b:8d).
Charles Morison was bom on the Estate of Greenfield, near AUoa^ on the
1st January 1780, of a family of noble origin. He studied Medicine at Edin-
burgh, and served as Surgeon in the 10th Hussars, commanded by His Royal
Highness The Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV). In the campaigns in
Spain, which he made with his Regiment, he showed numerous examples of
humanity in lavishing his care on the wounded of every Nation. When the
war ceased he was placed on half-pay, when, after travelling in Switzerland and
Italy, he settled in France, where he lived twenty-seven years. >-E.J
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276 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Morison^ as expressed in year letter of 24tli Aagnst^ as to the Library
being preserved intact, should be ri^dly adhered to.
" I am requested by the Grand Lodge to offer to you its sincere
sympathy on the occasion of the afflicting bereavement with which
the Great Architect of the Universe lately saw fit to visit yon, — and
I am^ Madam^ your most obedient,
(Signed) " Athole,
" Grand Master Mason of Scotland.
'^ Mrs Morison, Quai Malaquais^ No. 19, Paris."
Brother William Lockhart of Milton-Lockhart^ M.F., was appointed,
at the Quarterly Communication on 5th November, Provincial Grand
Master of the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, and was installed at
Lanark by a Deputation from the Grand Lodge on the 29th of that
mouth, in presence of a numerous attendance of the Brethren of the
district, when an efficient staff was organized by the new Provincial
Grand Master, so as to place his Provincial Grand Lodge in that position
which is so essential to the interests of the Craft throughout the Pro-
vince.
1849. November 80. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 4th February 1 850, Brother The
Rev. David Amot, D.D., one of the Ministers of the High Church,
Edinburgh, was appointed conjunct Grand Chaplain ad interim, in room
of Brother the Rev. John Boyle, resigned.
On 6th May Brother Philip William Le Geyt was appointed Provincial
Grand Master of Western India, in room of Brother James Bumes, K.H.,
resigned, on account of his return to this country; and Brother Florentine
Grillet was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the Republic of
Colombia, ^ in room of Brother Jos6 Gabriel Nunez, resigned, — ^to both
retiring Provincial Grand Masters the thanks of the Grand Lodge were
unanimously accorded for the zealous discharge of their duties whilst in
office.
The sum of L.20 was voted at this meeting for the purchase of a
copy of the portrait of William St Clair of Rosslin, the last Hereditary
Grand Master. The portrait, which was considered a desirable addition
to the properties of the Grand Lodge, was copied by Brother Stewart
Watson from the original in St John*s Chapel, in the possession of the
Lodge Cauongate Kilwinning.
^ [Changed, by sanction of the Grand Lodge on 3d February 1851, to
" Guayana in Venezuela.'* — ^E.]
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THB HL3T0BT OF FBEB MASONRY. 277
The Grand Lodge, attended by a number of tbe Brethren, patronised
the Theatre-Rojal on the erening of the 9th May, the performances
on that occasion being for the benefit of Brother Wyndham.
At the Quarterly Commanication on 5th August, Brother Sir
Alexander C. Gibson-Maitland, Bart., was appointed Provincial Grand
Master of Stirlingshire, in room of Brother Lord Abercromby resigned,
to whom the Grand Lodge awarded a vote of thanks for his past
services.
A Charter was expede at this meeting in favour of the Lodge
" Felix, " Aden, Arabia.
On 4th November a Brother being desirous to take his seat in Grand
Lodge as Right Worshipful Master of his Lodge, there being at the
time a Proxy Master on the Roll and present in Grand Lodge who had
been commissioned to represent it, and whose commission had not been
cancelled or withdrawn on one or other of the St John's Days, as re-
quired by Laws, Chap, xviii, sect. 6, it was held to be incompetent for
him to do so until the commission in favour of the Proxy Master should
be regularly annulled. The Grand Lodge also held that the portion
of Laws, Chap, xvin, sect. 1, requiring Masters and Wardens of
Country Lodges, intending personally to represent their respective
Lodges in Grand Lodge, "to give notice of such intention to the
Grand Clerk at least one month before such meetings are held," —
only applied to the case of Lodges which had not appointed a Proxy ,
and not to the case of a Lodge which had a duly accredited represen-
tative.
The Grand Secretary having read a letter of resignation of the Grand
Chaplainship from Brother the Very Worshipful Alexander Stewart
of Douglas, the Grand Lodge, in accepting the same, ordered a vote of
thanks to be recorded to that Brother, in testimony of their appreci-
ation of his past services. The thanks of the Grand Lodge were also
awarded to Brother J. F. Cooke, Past Provincial Grand Master of the
Bahamas, for his efficient services while Provincial Grand Master of
that district ; and Brother the Honourable James Jarrett was appointed
his successor.
The unwarranted establishment of a Lodge at Amsterdam, styled
" Post Nubila Lux," was notified in a communication read at this meet-
ing, from His Royal Highness Prince Frederic of the Netherlands, and
this breach of Masonic discipline was subsequently intimated to all the
Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, so that
no members of the said pretended Lodge might be acknowledged by
Brethren belonging to Scottish Masonry.
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278 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
This year an interchange of Representatives with the Grand Orient
of the Netherlands was agreed to ; and fraternal commnnications estate
lished with the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina.
Amongst the presents to Grand Lodge was a " Provincial Commission
by Earl Ferrers and the Grand Lodge of England to His Excellency
Robert Melville^ Captain-General and Govemor-in-Chief of the Carribee
Islands, dated 1764/' presented by Brother J. Whyte Melville, Depute
Grand Master ; and a " Collection of Masonic Songs by James Callendar,
Master Mason of St David's Lodge, Edinburgh, No. 36. Edinburgh,
1758," presented by David Laing, Esq., Signet Library. Thanks were
voted to both donors.
1850. Djscbmbbr 2. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, Grand Master. The Rev. David Amot, D.D.,
was elected Grand Chaplain, and David Bryce, Grand Architect.
At the Quarterly Communication on dd February 1851, on a Report
being brought up to the Grand Lodge by the Grand Committee in
reference to sundry Lodges in the City of Glasgow Province, the thanks
of the Grand Lodge were ordered to be given in writing to Brother Dr
Walker-Amott, Substitute Provincial Grand Master, Glasgow, for the
great labour, care, and attention, which he had bestowed in his investi-
gations connected with the Glasgow Lodges, and for the comprehensive
Reports which he had framed.
Upon considering a Report upon Masonic Clubs and the issuing of
unauthorised Circulars, the Grand Lodge strictiy prohibited any un-
amthorised Masonic body or individual from issuing circulars regard-
ing Masonic affairs to any of the Lodges in Scotland, under pain of sus-
pension from Masonic privileges, or expulsion from the Order. With
regard to Masonic Clubs, the Committee recommended that they should
at once be disowned and prohibited, being not only an infringement of
the Act 39 George III, cap. 79, but adverse to a leading principle
in Masonry, viz.-^the promotion of unanimity, and a violation of the
'' Ancient Customs " which countenance no meetings apart Irom those in
an ordinary Mason Lodge, a Provincial Grand Lodge, or in a warranted
Lodge of Instruction. Accordingly, the Grand Lodge authorised the
Grand Secretary to issue a letter to every Lodge under her jurisdiction,
announcing her prohibition of these or similar meetings. The following
passage of this letter contains both the res geatce of the Report by the
Grand Committee and the prohibition of the Grand Lodge : —
'' The Grand Lodge has learned with much surprise and regret the
existence, without her authority y of Masonic Clubs or private meetings,
said to be held for the purpose of Masonic instruction ; these unauthorised
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THB aiBTOBY OF FREE MASONRY. 279
meetings are hereby prohibited and denounced as not only unnecessary
bat quite at variance with the true spirit and practice of Masonry^ and
subversive of that discipline^ allegiancOi and respect which all well-con-
ducted Brethren owe to the Grand Lodge, the neglect of which in other
Countries has led to the most disastrous consequences to the Craft. The
Grand Lodge therefore earnestly calls upon all good Masons to aid and
assist in discountenancing, and forbidding to be continued any longer,
as Members, those belonging to such Clubs or Meetings as are held
out of a regularly constittUed and tyUd Lodge, — such conduct being
a decided breach of Masonic Discipline, and subject to the penal-
ties above stated. By the correction of such abuses the Grand Lodge
will be enabled to keep inviolate that sacred pledge which, as the
Guardian of the Craft, sh^ for the peace and good order of Society, has
come under to the Government of the Country. The Grand Lodge or
Grand Committee will grant temporary Warrants, grcOiSf for holding
Lodges of Instruction in any District or Province, when a majority of
the Masters therein shall petition for them."
On the motion of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master a new class
of Members was introduced at this Commonication into the Grand
Lodge, viz. — <' Honorary Members," and the rank was at the sametime
conferred upon His Majesty the King of Sweden, and upon His Royal
Highness Prince Frederic of the Netherlands, both presiding respec-
tively over the Grand Lodges in these countries, i
Brother R. W. Jameson a was appointed Grand Bard, in room of
Brother Robert Gilfillan, deceased. >
^ [The nomination of Honorary Members \b vested in the Grand Master
alone, each nomination being subject to confirmation by the Grand Lodge ;
they take precedence immediately after the Depute Grand Master, but have
no vote ; neither is the apron nor cordon of the Grand Lodge conferred on
them, their distinctive decoration being a badge worn as a medal on the
breast.— E.]
■ [Author of " Timoleon," Ac, Ac— E.]
' [Robert Gilfillan was bom in Dunfermline on the 7th July 1798. In 1811
he left Dunfermline for Leith, where he served an apprenticeship as a cooper.
On returning to his native place in 1818 he was employed as a shopman
for several yeans. During this portion of his life he composed eome of hb
finest songs ; <' Fare-thee-well, for I must leave thee," was a production of
this period. Brother Gilfillan afterwards returned to Leith, where he long
occupied a responsible place as confidential clerk in a wine merchant's estab-
lishment, and was ultimately appointed to a public situation, the duties of
which he continued to discharge till his death, which took place suddenly on
Uie 4th December 1850. Brother Gilfillan was never married; but to his
brother's orphan family he fulfilled all the duties of a father. Of a kiudly and
amiable disposition, he was much sought after as a companion, and his death
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280 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Brother tho Honourable Aagustos 6. F. Jocelyn was appointed
Representatiye from this Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
On 4th February the first of a series of Masonic Balls took place in
the Assembly Rooms^ Edinburgh. The Masonic decorations were both
brilliant and effective^ and the whole arrangements were on a scale
worthy of the craft. ^
A Charter was expede on the 10th March in fiftYour of the Lodge
**St Andrew," Quebec, with precedence from 5th November 1849, being
the date when a warrant was first applied for; since which time the Lodge
had been working under a dispensation from the ProYincial Grand
Master.
On the 10th March the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, accom-
panied by the Grand Office-bearers and a great number of the Brethren,
attended the Theatre-Royal, Edinburgh, the performances (under the
Patronage of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and the Grand
Lodge of Scotland,) being for the benefit of Brother W. H. Murray, the
Manager, on his retiral from the stage after a service of forty-two years.
The house was crowded to excess. In the course of the evening an
Address was delivered by Brother Murray^ and an appropriate addition
(composed by the Interim Grand Bard) to the National Anthem was
sung by the Company.
On the 12th, His Grace, attended by several of the Office-bearers and
Brethren, paid a Masonic Visit to the Lodge Canongate and Leith,
Leith and Canongate, No. 5, and were most warmly received by the
Right Won^ipfol Master and Brethren of that Lodge, and by the mem-
bers of Lodges present on the occasion. The Grand Master during his
visit delivered a most appropriate Masonic Charge, and expressed him-
self as highly satisfied with the efficient working of the Lodge.
An application having been made by Brother Dr Strang, City Cham-
berlain, on behalf of the Lord Provost of Glasgow and the Glasgow
Bridge Trustees, requesting the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and
the Grand Lodge to lay the Foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge,
Glasgow, designed to occupy the site of the old Stock well Bridge in that
city, the interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday the 9th April,
in presence of a vast assemblage of the Brethren and an immense
number of spectators.
excited a feeling of sorrow throughout a large circle of friends, besides that
much wider circle to which, if not personally familiar, he was at all events
well known as the author of some of the sweetest and most popular songs of
which our native modem muse can boast. — £.]
^ [Since the above date these Balls have taken place annually, the sarplus
being devoted in aid of the Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence.— E.]
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 281
The rarionfi Lodges began to assemble in the Cathedral about half-
past eleven. As thej arrived they were marshalled ander the orders
of Captain Smart, on each side of the centre aisle. After the. various
Civic Bodies had taken their places, the several Lodges marched into
the bodj of the Chnroh, which was so densely crowded that several
of them were obliged to remain in the nave during the service.
The members of the Grand Lodge having attired themselves in the
Chapter-house^ where the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form by
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, his Grace, accompanied by
Sheriff Alison, Sir William Miller of Glenlee, Sir James Campbell,
Professor Walker-Amott^ and other Office-bearers, took their places in
the front seat of the south gallery, opposite the side of the pulpit, a few
minutes past twelve.
Brother the Rev. John Leckie having given out the Iddd Psalm,
after a suitable prayer, delivered an eloquent sermon from Ephesians
V, verse 2, — " And vralk in love, even as Christ also hath loved us."
After prayer and the benediction, the various Lodges and Civic Bodies
were again marshalled, and marched out by the great western door of
the Cathedral down the High Street^ along George Street, down
Buchanan Street, and up Argyll Street to Stockwell Street^ where the
various Lodges halted to allow the officials to proceed to the Bridge.
The Procession proceeded along the route above indicated in the fol-
lowing order : —
A Picquet of Queen*s Own Yeomanry Cavalry.
Band of Queen's Own.
Troop of Queen's Own.
Polico-Officers, and Officer carrying Civic Banner.
Town Officers (with Halberts).
The Lord Provost and Magistrates, followed by
The Town Council (not Members of the River and Bridge Committees).
Judicial and Civil Officers of the Corporation.
Sheriffs of the County. Members of Parliament.
Military Officers.
Lieutenancy and Justices of Peace.
Chairman and Members of Bridge Committees and County Trustees.
Chief Engineer. Treasurer and Local Engineer.
Chairman and Members of River Trust Committees and
Additional Trustees.
Officer of Merchants' House.
Dean of Guild and Members. Deacon-Convener and Members.
Officer of Trades* House.
Troop of Queen's Own Yeomanry Cavalry.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRr*
The following Lodges, the Junior Lodges first, preceded by their
respectire Tylers : —
Mother Kilwinning.
The Lodge of Edinbargh Mary's
Chapel.
Canongate Kilwinning.
The Lodge of Glasgow, St John.
Glasgow Kilwinning.
Canongate and Leith, L. and C.
Hamilton Kilwinning.
Greenock Kilwinning.
Torphichen Kilwinning, Bathgate.
St John, Dankeld.
Ancient Brazen, Linlithgow.
St John Kilwinning, Dumbarton.
St John, Lesmahagow.
St Mungo, Glasgow.
Ancient, Stirling.
St Michael, Crieff.
St John, Auchterarder.
St Andrew, Edinburgh.
St John, Inverary.
Loudon, Newmills.
Doric Kilwinning, PortnGlasgow.
Alloa.
Thistle and Rose, Glasgow.
Kirknewton and BAtho.
Navigation, Troon.
Thistle, Glasgow.
St James, Operatire, Edinburgh.
St Mark, Glasgow.
Union and Crown, Glasgow.
Royal Arch, Cambuslaug.
Do. Rutherglen.
St Mary, Partick.
St Bride, Douglas.
Royal Arch, Perth.
Ayr Kilwinning.
St Andrew, Kilmarnock.
St John, Campbeltou.
Cadder, Argyll.
St Andrew, Iryine.
Edinbargh Defensive Band.
Operative, Dankeld.
Royal Arch, PoUokshaws.
St Barchan, Kilbarchan.
St John, Beith.
Roman Eagle, Edinbargh.
Free Operatives, Biggar.
St John, Greenock.
St James, Old Monkland.
St Patrick, Glasgow.
St Mango, Mauchline.
St John, Carlake.
Caledonian St John, R. A., Campsie.
St Andrew, Cumbernauld.
Operative, Airdrie.
St Paul, Ayr and Renfrew Militia.
St Andrew, Strathaven.
Cumberland Kilg., Port-Glasgow.
Star, Glasgow.
St Barnabas, Old Cumnock.
St John, Thomhill.
St James, Nethertonholm, Kilmar-
nock.
Shamrock and Thistle, Bridgeton.
Blair, Dairy.
Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith .
St John, Rothesay.
St John, Woodhall.
St Thomas, Larkhall.
Royal Arch, West Kilbride.
Duntocher and Faifley Union.
St John Operative, Rutherglen.
St Clair, Edinburgh.
Caledonian Railway.
Band of the 2 1st Fusiliers.
The Grand Lodgb of Scotland.
Troop of Her Majesty's 13tli Light Dragoons.
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¥DE HIStORV OP FREE MASONRT. 283
It may be here remarked that this is the greatest muster of Lodges
which ever rallied at one time under the banners of the Grand Lodge. ^
Abont three o'clock the Junior Lodge arriyed at the gate of the
enclosure at the foot of Stockwell Street^ where it remuned stationary,
opening right and left, and so on with all the Lodges, to the Grand
Lodge, which passed through the lines to the ate of the Foundation-
stone.
On silence being obtained, the band played the Queen's Anthem, fol-
lowed by '' Hail Masonry," after which Brother the Rev* Pr Arnot^ the
Grand Chaplain, offered up the following prayer : —
''Almighty God, Creator, Sustainer, and Goyemor of Heaven and
Earth, we would seek with united hearts to worship Thee, Who art a
Spirit, and to draw near into Thy sacred presence, as the hearer of
prayer and the giver of every good and perfect gift. We give thanks
unto Thy holy name for all the unmerited bounties Thou hast con-
ferred on us; for the means of grace, and the hope of everlasting
life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Enable us, we beseech Thee,
through the merit-s of our Redeemer, so to live that we may receive
the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. Gracious
God, bless, we pray Thee, this great city in all its interests, sacred
and secular. May the Ministers of religion and the Magistrates
thereof be found faithful to the trust committed to -them, and may
all classes of the inhabitants be distinguished by godliness, righteous-
ness, sobriety, and charity. May its merchants, who, like those of Tyre,
are princes, and its traffickers the honourable of the earthy remember
that the silver and gold are the Lord's, and that a good name is rather
to be chosen than riches. May fulness of bread not be their snare :
May their merchandise and their hire be holiness to the Lord, and
may Glasgow still continue to flourish by the preaching of the Word.
Almighty Ruler of the Universe, we would acknowledge Thee in all our
ways, for ' Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that
build it ; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in
vain.' Grant, 0 God, that the great undertaking so auspiciously com-
menced may be brought to a successful termination. May the workmen
engaged on it be preserved from all danger ; may the labour of their
hands be rewarded by health, domestic comfort, and by that blessing
which alone enricheth and addeth no sorrow." — ** Our Father," &c.
^ [In August 1822, when the Foundation-stone of the National Monument
was laid, not more than thitfy Lodges turned out, although the Brethren walk-
ing with these was not less numerous than those accompanying the preceding
seventy- two Lodges in the Victoria Bridge Procession. — £.]
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284 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Two glass bottles, hennetically sealed^ the one containing spedmens
of all the gold, silrer, and copper coins of the present reign, the other
containing records, &c., were deposited by the Grand Treasurer and
the Grand Secretary, over which was placed a plate bearing the follow-
ing inscription : —
From the continued increase in the population of Glasgow and the
surrounding districts^ and to provide more ample means of com-
munication between the north and south banks of the Clyde,
The Ancient Bridge of Glasgow, at one time called the
Bishop*s or Glasgow Bridge, and more recently
The Stockwell Street Bridge,
Has been taken down ; and, by the £&your of Almighty God,
in presence of
Sir James Anderson, Knight, Lord Provost,
And the Public Bodies of the City,
His Grace The Buke of Athole, Grand Master Mason,
Assisted by the Grand Masonic Lodge of Scotland,
And numerous other Lodges,
Laid the Foundation-stone of this Bridge,
To be called
The Vjctoria Bridge of Glasgow,
On the Ninth Day of April, Anno Domino mdcccli,
Era of Masonry ymdcccli.
In the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of our Most Gracious Sovereign
Queen Victoria.
[Here followed a list of the Trustees on the Glasgow Bridges.]
William Davie, Esq., Angus Turner^ Esq., and Arthur Forbes, Esq.,
Secretaries.
John Strang, Esq., LL.D., Treasurer.
John Walker, Esq., LL.D., F.R.S., L. and E., <kc., &o., Principal
Engineer and Architect.
John Timperly, Esq., Resident Engineer.
William York, Esq., Contractor.
Which Undertaking
May the Supreme Architect of the Universe Bless and Prosper.
The Band here played the Old Hundredth Psalm.
The necessary workmen were then brought forward/ and these having
completed the operative part of the ceremony, the Grand Master spread
the mortar with a golden trowel, when the stone was lowered by three
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THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 285
distinct stops. The Grand Wardens, under orders from the Grand Master,
seYerallj applied the level and the plammet. The Sabstitute Grand
Master, nnder like orders^ applied the sqnare, and the Depute Grand
Master having delivered to the Grand Master the mallet, His Grace
then laid the Foundation-stone of the Bridge with all the honours usual
on such occasions, pronouncing the benediction : — " May the Almighty
Architect of the Universe look down with benignity upon our present
undertaking, and enable us successfully to carry on and finish the work
of which we have now laid the Foundation-stone, and every other
undertaking which may tend to the advantage of the City of Glasgow
and its neighbourhood, and may this Bridge be long preserved from
peril and decay." The Band then played ''On, my dear Brethren.**
On the music ceasing, the Substitute Grand Master delivered to the
Grand Master the cornucopia, and the Senior and Junior Grand War-
dens, silver vases, containing wine and oil, whereupon his Grace spread
the com on the stone, and poured thereon the wine and oil, conformably to
ancient custom, aaying — " Praise be to the Lord, immortal and eternal.
Who formed the Heavens, laid the foundation of the Earth, and extended
the Waters beyond it ; Who supports the pillars of Nations, and main-
tains in order and harmony surrounding Worlds : We implore Thy aid,
and may the continued blessing of an all-bounteous Providence be the
lot of these our native shores. Almighty Ruler of events deign to
direct the hand of our gracious Sovereign, so that she may pour down
blessings upon her people ; and may that people, living under sage
laws, and a free Government, ever feel grateful for the blessings they
enjoy.'* The ''Masons' Anthem*' was then played, and the Grand
Officers retired to their respective places amidst the Grand Honours
from the Brethren.
The Treasurer to the Bridge Trust, Brother Dr Strang, then presented
to the Senior Master Builder Brother York, a purse of gold, saying that
it was the pleasure of the Grand Master that those who hewed the stones,
and those who laid them, and all who assisted, should " rejoice in the
light.*'
His Grace The Most Worshipful the Master then addressing the
Civic Authorities, said — " My Lord Provost, Magistrates, Members
of the Bridge Trust, and Gentlemen, I have now the pleasure of inform-
ing you that, in accordance with your wish, the Foundation-stone of
the Victoria Bridge has been laid according to the established rules of
Masonry. I must take the opportunity, in making this Report, of
being allowed in a few words to congratulate you on this auspicious
event. We have now laid the Foundationnstone of a bridge which is to
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286 TOE HISTOBY OF FREB MASONRY.
replace one which was bailt so fat back as 1345. I can only saj I sin-
cerely hope and trust that the present undertaking which yon are now
about to commence, and the foundation of which we have this day laid,
will, when reared up, exist for more than the next fiye centuries. My
Lord ProYost, Magistrates, and Members of the Bridge Trust, Glasgow
may boast of some of the finest buildings in the world ; and, amongst
others, she may point to one as altogether unparalleled, — ^I mean the
Old Cathedral of Glasgow, in which we this day assembled. The pro*
ceedings which began there were so auspiciously commenced, that we
may hope the termination of the work will haYc a close equally pros-
perous with the commencement My Lord ProYost, there are many
other fine buildings in Glasgow, but this Victoria Bridge will Yie with
any of them, and I most sincerely pray that no danger may CYcr
befal it. I congratulate you on the auspicious day which we haYe had,
and on the excellent arrangements that haYe been made. It was a most
gratifying sight to-day to see such a large, nay, enormous body of people,
conduct themselves in the orderly manner they haYo done, and I am
sure, my Lord, the sight must haYe giYon you Yery great satisfaction.
I congratulate you on the prospects and flourishing state of this great
city, — ^its commerce is extraordinary, and it is perfectly wonderful to
see what the labours of man will do in one short half century. I am
quite sure that the duty I have undertaken on this occasion might haYe
£&llen into abler hands, and been performed by those who could have
done such a subject more justice, but there is no one who wishes more
warmly than I do the prosperity of the city of Glasgow. It was with
great pleasure I received your Lordship's communication, which request-
ed that the Grand Lodge of Scotland should lay the Foundation-stone
of this Bridge, and I derived still greater pleasure in doing it, when I
heard that the Bridge was to bear the name of our beloYed Sovereign —
a Sovereign who is so justly endeared to all her subjects ; and I think
that the Bridge Trustees have shewn their good taste and loyal feelings
by giving this structure the name of our most gracious Sovereign. I
will not detain you longer, but once more congratulate you on the
auspicious event which has this day taken place. *'
The Lord Provost then said, — " My Lord Duke, in the name of the
Bridge Trustees, I beg to return you our warmest thanks for the service
you have this day rendered to us. The work of which the Foundation-
stone has now been laid, is one of no ordinary magnitude, and is well
worthy of having its commencement marked by a grand and solemn
ceremonial, such as we have just witnessed. I trust our prayers for its
successful completion may be answered, and that it may stand for many
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THE HIOTORT OF FRBB MASONRY. 287
generations a comfort and convenience to the inhabitants, an ornament
to the city, and a monnment of the advanced state of civilisation and of
the arts in the reign of the good Queen whose name it bears. The
former bridge at this spot had stood for many centuries, and although at
different times widened and improved, had become insecure and alto-
gether unsoitable for the accommodation of the public. A few years
ago an Act of Parliament was obtained, authorising its removal, and the
erection in its room of one of more appropriate dimensions. It was only
lately, however, that the Trustees had it in their power to proceed wiUi
the building. When we contemplate the state of things which existed
here at the period when the foundation of the old bridge was laid, and
contrast it with that which exists now, how striking is the change that
has taken place. At that time the population of this city was probably
not a hundredth part of what it is now, and the river, at the place where
we now stand, might without much difficulty have been waded across.
No vessels then came within many miles of the Broomielaw — now an
extensive harbour, crowded with ships from every part of the world.
The requirements of the present day are accordingly vastly different
from what they then were ; and where a bridge of 12 feet in width
stood, we are about to erect one of 60. The plan which has been adopt-
ed is chaste and beautiful ; and I have no doubts when completed, will be
creditable alike to the Trustees and to the eminent architect, Mr Walker,
by whom it was furnished. The Committee especially entrusted with
the superintendence of the operations, have been most fortunate in ob-
taining a contractor of so much skill and experience as Mr York, who,
in preparing the foundation, has already given evidence that he possesses
ample resources to meet any difficulty that may arise, and with the
advice of the resident engineer, Mr Timperly, will, I am certain, execute
the work in a most substantial and excellent manner. I congratulate
Mr Mitchell, the Convener, and the other Members of the Committee,
on this day's proceedings, and again heartily thank your Grace and all
the Lodges who have honoured us with their presence and aid. I feel
obliged to your Grace for the notice you have taken of the manner in
which the citizens have conducted themselves, and of that notice I may
say I am very proud. I have also to tender my most grateful acknow-
ledgments to the military gentlemen, and to the gentlemen of the Queen's
Own Yeomanry Cavalry, as well as to the various Civic Bodies, for the
countenance and assistance they have so kindly given us."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Brother Cruickshank, Depute
Master of the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, presented the Grand Master
with a handsome walking-stick made of oak taken from the old Stock-
well Bridge. Brother Cruickshank, addressing his Grace, said —
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288 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" Most Worshipful Grand Master, — I have great pleasure in pre-
senting you, in the name of the Master antl Office-bearers of the ancient
Lodge of Glasgow, St John, with the stick which I hold in mj hand.
It is made from a piece of the oak which formed part of the founda-
tion of our ancient Stock well Bridge of Glasgow, and was prqcured in
taking down that venerable structure. Although it certainly appears
a very trifling article, and the value of it not worthy of considera-
tion, still I have no doubt your Grace will prize it much, and value
it as part of an ancient fabric constructed by the craftsmen of Glas-
gow some five centuries ago, and from which it has only very re-
cently been taken. You will also, I am sure, prize it as being pre-
sented. Most Worshipful Sir, by the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, which
holds a royal charter, still in their possession, granted by Malcolm Can-
more, in the year 1057 ; being, I have no doubt, the L6dge which laid
the Foundation-stone of this old structure now removed, as well as the
Foundation of our ancient and venerable Cathedral, some centuries
before. This stick is also presented to you in commemoration of your
laying the Foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge, on which occasion
we are now met. Be kind enough. Most Worshipful Sir, to accept the
trifling gift as a token of the esteem in which you are held by the
Brethren of this Lodge, and wishing you may be long spared to be an
ornament to the craftsmen is the humble prayer of the Brethren.**
The stick had a massive gold head bearing the following inscrip-
tion : — " Presented to His Grace the Duke of Athole, Grand Master
of Scotland, by the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, on the occasion of
His Grace laying the Foundation-stone of the Victoria Bridge across
the Clyde at Stockwell Street, Glasgow, upon the 9th of April 1851."
Around the rim was the following : — " This staff is made of part of the
oak from the original foundation of the old Stockwell Bridge, built in the
reign of King David, son of Robert the Bruce, in the year 1345, and
taken down in the year 1850."
The Duke of Athole said : — " Right Worshipful Sir, I beg you
will tender in my name, my warmest thanks for the kind manner in
which the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, have presented me with this stick.
It is not only valuable from its antiquity but also for having been formed
out of the foundation of the old Stockwell Bridge. I beg you will con-
vey to the Brethren my sincere thanks for the honour now done me."
The Lord Provost, Magistrates, Councillors, Trustees, and other Civic
Bodies, then returned to the City Buildings, Wilson Street, followed
by the Grand Lodge, which was closed in the Burgh Court Hall in ample
form. The other Lodges retired from the site by the entrance opening
to Clyde Street, and returned to their respective places of meeting.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 289
After the ceremoDy the Lord Proyost, and other Trastees of the Glajs-
gow Bridges^ entertained the Grand Master and a large party^ numbering
in all about 350^ at dinner in the City Hall^ which was gorgeously
decorated for the occasion. The banquet was most sumptuous, and the
attendance of about 300 Ladies in the gallery added brilliancy to the
scene.
In the evening the Grand Master, accompanied by the Grand Officers,
attended a Masonic Festival in the Trades' Hall, under the auspices of
the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow. The attendance of the Brethren
was very numerous, and comprised deputations from thirty-two out of
the seventy-two Lodges which had taken part in the brilliant pageant
of the day.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th May^ the appointment of
Brother Dr Samuel Somerville, as Representative of the Grand Lodge of
Ireland, was intimated and confirmed.
It having been brought under the notice of the Grand Lodge on 5th
August 1850, that the Masonic Diploma of Marshal Soult, which had
been found on 21st June 1813 amongst that gallant Marshal's baggage
after the Battle of Vittoria, was in the possession of the Lodge St
Nathalan, TuUich-in-Mar,^ and the Grand Lodge being of opinion that
no Brother or body of Brethren had a right to retain unauthorised
possession of the property of a Brother Mason, directed St Nathalan's
Lodge to be communicated with about restoring the said Diploma to
its legitimate owner. After some correspondence it was transmitted to
die Grand Lodge, and exhibited to the Members thereof at this Com-
munication, when the Most Worshipful the Grand Master directed
that it should be returned to Marshal Soult, through the Marquess of
Normanby, the British Ambassador at Paris, and the Marshal's letter
of acknowledgment transmitted to the Lodge St Nathalan, TuUich-in-
Mar, for preservation in its archives, as a far more valuable memorial
of a distinguished Brother than the possession of his Diploma could
be.«
A vote of thanks, on his retiral from the Provincial Grand Master-
ship of Nova Scotia, <kc., was unanimously accorded to Brother the
Honourable J. Leander Starr, for his eflScient services when presiding
over the interests of Masonry in that Province.
On the 22d May the Right Worshipful the Grand Master, accom-
panied by several Officers of the Grand Lodge, paid a Masonic visit to
^ [It had been presented to that Lodge on the 30th Jane 1823.— E.]
> [The illustrious and gallant Marshal died in a few days after the Diploma
was presented to him.— E.]
19
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290 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the Prorince of Ayr, and were received at the Kilwinning Station of the
Ayr Railway by Brother George Fullarton of that Ilk, Right Worship-
ful Master of the Lodge Mother Kilwinning, (and as sach Proyincial
Grand Master of Ayrshire), by the Provincial Grand Officers, and the
Masters and Office-bearers of the varioas Lodges of the Province. A
Grand Lodge was afterwards held at Kilwinning, at which the Grand
Master expressed himself as highly gratified with his reception at the
ancient seat of Masonry in Scotland.
At the Quarterly Commnnication on 4th August, Brother Colin Camp-
bell, of the Lodge Glenlyon, Magistrate and Alderman of Kingston, was
appointed Provincial Grand Master of Jamaica, in room of Brother
Dr M'Fadyen, deceased.
A series of Regulations relative to the laying of Foundation-stones
were unanimously approved of and adopted at this meeting.^
A letter, '' dated Amsterdam, 17 Junij 1851," was read at this Com-
munication, from Brother D. J. Veegens, Representative of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland at the Grand Orient of the Netherlands, the following
excerpt from which, graphically detailing his fraternal reception there,
will be fully appreciated by the Craft : —
" I was received at the same time with the representative of the
Grand Orient of Hamburg, in the most honourable manner, by the
Grand Stewards and a commission of the Brethren, with appropriate music;
the standards of the Grand Lodge, and the Grand Orient being borne
before us. Conducted before the Throne, we were complimented most
kindly and heartily by the Grand Master, who expressed his joy for the
knotting of those new ties of fraternity between the Brethren of the differ-
ent countries, which would promote the interest of the Order, and be ad-
vantageous to the Craft and to all mankind. I answered that I felt my-
self honoured by representing a Grand Lodge that always practised the
Royal Art in such a noble and pure manner; of a people so much resem-
bling ours in reality of studies ; in religious sentiments and civilisation;
in the whole business of life ; that I felt it more lively under such an en-
lightened head, and so many worthy Brethren and Countrymen, to whom I
was accredited. I assured the Grand Orient of the kind sentiments of the
Grand Lodge, and how deeply they were affected towards the Brethren
in the Netherlands, and kin<lled the hope that this union might prove
itself profitable to the Craft. Now the Commission, approved by the
Grand Orient, and subscribed by the Grand Master and the Grand Secre-
tary, was returned to me, and I kept my seat at the head of the Southern
Column. There, behind me, the Standard of Scottish Masonry was set up,
1 [Those Regulations form No. XXIII of the Appendix to this Work.— £.]
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TBE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 291
and stands also at the head of all others, and the Portrait of the Grand
Master, the Buke of Athole, is there suspended on the wall. The Standard
of Hamburg stands at the other side, near the head of the Northern
Column. It will be a fine decoration for the Hall when the Standards of
the other affiliated Orients successirely will be set up there. ... At
the banquet that followed I was placed next the Deputy Grand Master
at the place of honour, the second from His Royal Highness, who ex-
pressed his wish to visit the Scottish Brethren, to whom he felt himself
most obliged. I spoke much with him of Scotland, telling him of the
great ceremony at Glasgow — that interested him much . After the solemn
toai^ts to the King, the Grand Master^ the Deputy Grand Masters, a
toast was proposed by the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
its noble chief and its representatiye, and to those of Hamburg. Where-
upon I answered for myself and my fellow-representative of Hamburg,
the toast being received and welcomed amidst shouts of the Brethren
and the music of the Chapel."
The Fonndation-stone to commemorate the renewal of the Old Parish
Church of Dalkeith was laid on the 29th August, under sanction of the
Grand Lodge, by Brother Sir James Walker-Drummdnd of Hawthorn-*
den, Baronet, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge Dalkeith Kilwin-
ning, with tlie usual Masonic solemnities, in presence of upwards of 200
of the Brethren, and a large assemblage of spectators.
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d November the following letter
from His Majesty Oscar I, King of Sweden and Norway, acknowledging
receipt of the honours conferred upon him at the Quarterly Communica-
tion on dd February last, having been read, and received with every
mark of respect and fraternal regard, it was ordered to be interleaved in
the Minute-Book of the Grand Lodge : —
J* A Grand Maitrb treb Venerable et aux Membres de la Grande
LooE d'Ecosse.
" Mes Freres I
*^ La joie que ressent tout Franc-Ma^on en obtenant un t^moignage
de I'amiti^ de ses Frdres, cette joie je Tai ^prouv6e, lorsque je Te9ns le
dipldme de Membre Honoraire de la tr^ y6n6rable Grande Logo
d'Ecosse, que vous m'avez envoy6.
'' En me d^ernant cette place honorable an milieu de vons^ vous
m'avez donn6 une preuve dclatante de votre d^vouement k ma personne.
J'appr^cie d*antant plus que je suis le premier k qui cette distinction soit
^chne en partage.
" La t&che du Frano-Magon est noble et grande. II est de notre
devoir de travailler sans cesse, avec un esprit Iclair6 et le coBur rempli
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292 TDB HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
d'amour fraternel ^ la perfection du genre humain. Les faibles opprim^s
et tons cenx qui sent dans la peine^ ont des droits incontestables a notre
protection z^l^e et charitable.
'* Ce n'est qu*en tenant ferme au lien indissoluble qui unit tons nos
Fr^res disperses sur la surface du globe, que nous pourrons atteindre le
but, auquel nous tendons en silence, mais sans nous lasser jamais, puisque
nous Savons que partout et toujours nos Fr^res sent pr^ts it venir it notre
aide avec cette charity, cet esprit de concorde, et cette confiance qui
doivent caract6riser tons les membres de notre Ordre.
" Soyez persuades, mes Fr^res, que j'observe avec la plus grande
attention la marche des 6ven6ments dans le monde Ma^onnique et que
je me r€jouis siDcdrement des succ^ qu*obtiennent les yrais Francs-
Ma9ons, en travuillant dans le sens que je vions d'indiquer au bonheur
et au bien-^tre de Thumanit^.
" Je vous offre, mes Fr^res, I'assurance de mon affection fratemelle ;
et c'est par le saint nombre, que je yous recommande tons k la protec-
tion toute-puissante du Grand Arcbitecte de Tunivers qui vous donne
paix, joie, et benediction.
" Stockholm, U 17. Septembre 1861.
"OSCAR."
" Ad. Tauvon,
" Ghrand Secretaire -
" dela Grande Loge Natwnale de Suede.*'
At this Communication the Grand Lodge ordered the particular atten-
tion of all Daughter Lodges and Brethren to the following instruction : —
" That it is the duty of all Brethren present at an^Initiation into the
Order, to make the Initiant distinctly aware that it is essential for his
interests that he ascertain that his Name and Description, and date of
Initiation, be timeously reported, and the Fees of his Registration or
Initiation duly paid to the Grand Lodge."
A Member of the Grand Lodge having moved at the preceding Quar-
terly Communication that it be considered " What meaning is to be
attached to the Confirmation of Minutes," it was unanimously ruled
at this meeting that Confirmation of Minutes implied that the res
gestcB of a previous meeting had been correctly recorded, — and not that
the questions discussed and disposed of at such former meeting could be
opened up at the succeeding one, when the Minutes were read.
This year the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, attended by the
Grand Officers, visited the Lodge St Clair, No. 349, and the Lodge
Roman Eagle, No. 160, in the Edinburgh District, at both of which
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 293
Lodges they were received in the most gratifying manner. His Grace at
leaving expressed to each of the Right Worshipful Masters the satisfac-
tion it gave him to witness their prosperity, and that the order and regu-
larity which prevailed gave evidence of the existence of good discipline
and efficient working.
Charters were this year granted to the Lodges, " St John," Grey-
town, Mosquito ; "St Andrew,*' Sydney, New South Wales ; "Union,"
Black River, Jamaica ; and " Commercial," Glasgow.
1851. December 1. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, Grand Master.
On the 12th December the Most Worshipful the Grand Master,
accompanied by a deputation from the 'Grand Lodge, mado a Masonic
Visitation to the' Lodges of the Aberdeen City Province, presided
over by Brother Alexander Hadden of Perseley, Provincial Grand
Master, and were received at a magnificent banquet by the following
Lodges, viz. : —
St John, Dunkeld. St Andrew, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen. Operative, Aberdeen.
St Machar, Aberdeen. Old Aberdeen.
St Nicholas, Aberdeen. St George, Aberdeen.
In the course of the evening His Grace expressed the satisfaction he
bad received at meeting such a numerous assemblage of the Brethren
on his first visit to Aberdeen, and his approval of the admirable manner
of working practised by, and discipline maintained in, this Provincial
Grand Lodge.
A similar Visitation was paid by the Grand Master and other Grand
Officers on 4th February 1852 to the Provincial Grand Lodges of West
and East Perthshire. At three o'clock the various Lodges of the Pro-
vince, including Deputations, and a namerous company of Brethren from
the counties of Forfar, Stirh'ng, Fife, and Edinburgh, and particularly
from the town of Dundee, assembled in front of the County Buildings,
and having been admirably arranged within the County Hall, filed
off before His Grace the Grand Master and Office-bearers to the City
Hall, where the banquet was to be served. The decorations of the Hall
were very magnificent, the most remarkable of which was a large
Masonic allegorical fresco painting of St John.
The Chair was filled by Brother Sir P. M. Thriepland of Fingask,
Bart, Depute Past Grand Master for East Perthshire, who, after
Dinner and the formal introduction of the Duke of Athole and his
Office-bearers, resigned it to His Grace as Grand Master Mason of
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294 THK HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
Scotland, when the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. Be-
tween seven and eight hundred Brethren were present, and the even-
ing was spent in a highly pleasing and satisfactory manner. His Grace
and the Grand Officers met with a most enthusiastic and fraternal re-
ception^ and both at their entry and retiral the plaudits were loud and
prolonged. This great Masonic Demonstration^ for union, harmony,
good order,.and numbers, quite eclipsed any other *^ Masonic Gathering *'
that had ever taken place within the Fair City.
Brother John Stewart of Nateby Hall, was, on 28th April, appointed
to preside at laying the Foundationnstone of a new Bank at Lochmaben,
in conformity with an application from the Lodge St Magdalene to that
effect
At the Quarterly Communication on dd May the following letter from
His Royal Highness Prince Frederic of the Netherlands, Grand Master
National, was read, and ordered to be interleaved in the Minute-Book
of the Grand Lodge : —
« La Haye, le 14 Mars, 1852.
" MONSIETTR,
'^ J*ai eu rhonneur de recevoir votre lettre da 4 court., par laquelle
voa.s avez eu la bont6 de me transmettre de la part de le Grande Loge
d*Ecosse et par rinterm6diaire du Frdre D. J. Yeegens k Amsterdam.
" P. La Bijou qui m'a ^t6 destine comme Membre Honoraire, et
'' 2°. Un exemplaire de TAlmanach Ma9onnique pour rann6e 1852, le
premier qui a 6t6 publi6 de ce genre en Ecosse.
** Je vous prie de bien vouloir exprimer k la Grande Loge, combien je
suis sensible ^ cette marque d*attention de sa part j en m^me temps que
je vous t^moigne mes remercimens tr^ sinc^res pour la peine que vous
avez prise de cet envoie.
" Veuillez me croire, Monsieur, votre tr^ devout serviteur et Fr^re,
* " FREDERIC Pr. des PAYS BAS,
« Gr. Mr. N.
" A Monsieur Linning Woodman, ^ Edimbonrg."
A Resolution interfering with the internal arrangements of the Grand
Lodge having been passed in, and transmitted by, a Provincial Grand
Lodge, a Committee was appointed to consider the said Resolution and
report thereon, which was done accordingly, and the labours of the Com-
mittee homologated at this Communication. The report sets forth with
admirable brevity and perspicuity the functions and status of Provincial
Grand Lodges in the following terms : —
'' Provincial Grand Lodges appear, from the terms of the Commission
to the Provincial Grand Master by the Grand Master, to have been
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 295
established for the purpose of visiting the several Lodges which lie at
too great a distance from the seat of the Grand Lodge to be visited by
the Grand Master in person ; to inquire into the condition of such
Lodges ; receive from them such proposals and requests as they shall
. desire to be offered to the Grand Master for the welfare and prosperity
of Masonry ; and in particular,, that the Provincial Grand Master shall
not allow any other Degrees of Masonry to be practised within his juris-
diction. The Commission also bears, 'requiring our said Provincial
Grand Master to obey all such instructions as he shall receive from us,
and to report to the Gra^d Lodge, from time to time, his whole actings
and proceedings, in virtue of this Commission.'
" The appointment of Provincial Grand Master is recalled at pleasure.
" The Provincial Grand Lodge is composed of the Master and War-
dens of the several Lodges in the Province which shall have complied
with the Regulations of the Grand Lodge by producing Annual Certifi-
cates and Receipts for Registration of Intrants, to shew that they are
not in Arrear or under Suspension.
" The Provincial Grand Lodge has no status whatever other than that
delegated to it by the Grand Lodge.
'' The only power a Provincial Grand Lodge has to adopt Resolu-
tions, even for its own internal regulation, is that of calling upon the
Members for an annual payment for defraying the expenses of regalia,
meetings, and other necessary purposes.
" Your Sub-Committee consider that the interference of a body, so
constituted, with the internal economy and management of the affairs of
the Grand Lodge, upon whom it depends for its very existence, is tUtra
vires ; for it must be kept in view that the Grand Lodge of Scotland
is a body representing all the Subordinate Lodges, and that thep have
the power of selecting such representatives as will carry out their views."
The Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, (J 8th June,) was celebrated
in Edinburgh by the Masonic inauguration of an Equestrian Statue in
honour of the Duke of Wellington, placed in front of the General Register
House. The day was observed as a holiday, all the Banks, and most
of the Public Offices being closed.
The Grand Lodge and Daughter Lodges assembled in the Quadrangle
of the University between twelve and one o'clock, at which hour the
Grand Lodge was opened in ample form in one of the Class-rooms by the
Most Worshipful the Grand Master.
The Lodges having been marshalled, they and the Grand Lodge pro-
ceeded along the South Bridge, High Street, Mound, and Princes Street,
to the General Register-House, — where they arrived at three o'clock.
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TUB HISTORY OF FRE]S MASONRY.
and were received by tlie Members of the Wellington Statue Commit-
tee, and the Representatives of the various public bodies.
The Masonic procession consisted of about 1^00 Brethren belonging
to the following Lodges : —
The Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's
Chapel.
Canongate Kilwinning.
Canongate and Leith^ Leith and
Canongate.
Hamilton Kilwinning.
Journeymen, Edinburgh.
Dalkeith Kilwinning.
St John, Dunkeld.
Ancient Brazen, Linlithgow.
St John, Cupar-Fife.
Old St John, Lanark.
Peebles Kilwinning.
St John, Dunfermline.
Aitchison's Uaven.
St John, Falkland.
St David, Edinburgh.
St Luke, Edinburgh.
St Andrew, Edinburgh.
St John Kilwinning, Haddington.
St John, Inverkeithing.
Kirkaldy.
Kirknewton and Ratho.
Elgin, Leven.
St James' Operative, Edinburgh.
St Magdalene, Loohmaben.
St Mark^ Glasgow.
St John, Fisherrow.
St Stephen, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Defensive Band.
Operative, Dunkeld.
Royal Arch, Pollokshaws.
Roman Eagle, Edinburgh.
St John, Greenock.
St James, Old Monkland.
Star, Glasgow.
Portobello.
Lockhart St John, Carnwath4
Union, Dunfermline.
St John, Thomhill.
Qahytewoolen, Lockerbie.
St John, Galashiels.
Mid-Calder.
Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith.
Clydesdale, Lanark.
St Clair, Edinburgh.
The Ceremonial of inauguration commenced by the Grand Chaplain;
the Rev. David Arnot, D.D., o£fering up a suitable and impressive
prayer.
The Grand Master and Grand Officers then proceeded with the
Masonic portion of the Ceremonial usual on such occasions. On its
completion, the Grand Master made his report to the Duke of Buc-
clench. Chairman of the Statue Committee, who^ in the course of his
reply said —
" To attempt to recount anything of the early life of the Duke of
Wellington would be almost to give a history of India during the latter
part of the past century and the early part of the present. It would
be to give a history of those stirring scenes which many of you may recol-
lect) and in which many here present may have borne a part, when he
alone was able to cope with him who was considered the conqueror of
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TDB HISTORY OP FRfiE MASONHY. 297
Europe, and who, by Lis own anna and tbose of his Marshals, had over-
run the whole of it, except this our favoured Island. He was in early life
devoted to arms, having entered the anny when he was only eighteen
years of age. Soon after that he was engaged in active service, first in
Europe and afterwards in Asia, where, fortunately for him, his brother
the then Governor-General, had not only the discrimination to discern
the talents of his brother, but the moral courage also to put him for-
ward in the place which led him not only to distinguish himself, but to
distinguish his country, and uphold the foundation of our mighty Indian
empire.
" But it is not in military glory alone that ^ the noble Duke has
shone. At an early period he was at Copenhagen, deputed to con-
clude the capitulation there. In after times, at the Congress of
Vienna, at Aix-la-Chapelle, and at Verona, he was called upon again
to exert his talents in the cause of diplomacy as well as arms. In
our own country all who know him, know that he is actuated by but
one feeling — that of duty and loyalty to his sovereign and to his
country. He sacrificed his time and his energies to one object — ^that
of doing his duty as a good subject and citizen. Whatever di£ferences
there may be as to his opinions in civil life, he has the proud reflection,
as we have also, of knowing that his services have been as well appre-
ciated as have been his military services, and go where he will, no man
is received with greater enthusiasm than he is, while there is no man
in the Senate whose opinions and judgment are more urgently sought
for. In ancient times it was the custom to raise monuments to great
men after death ; it has been the custom also in this country to erect
such monuments in grateful memory of those removed from us. Here,
however, in this JVf etropolis and elsewhere, monuments have been raised
to the Duke's honour during his lifetime, and he has had the proud
satisfaction of seeing and feeling that his services are duly appreciated
by his countrymen. I cannot allow myself to close this address without
remarking on our good fortune in finding a countryman and townsman of
our own * not only worthy to undertake such a work as this, but who
has also proved himself capable of creating a work worthy of the man
to whom it is erected."
At the conclusion of His Grace's speech the Statue was unveiled
amidst the loud and enthusiastic plaudits of the assembled thousands —
the swelling strains of the Military Bands — and the booming of the guns
of the Castle, replied to by a battery on the summit of Salisbury Crags.
* [Steel. — This noble Equestrian Statue, one of the finest in Europe, is, as
yet, the cA«f d'cmvre of the Artist. — E.]
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298 TDB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
A Ljric Ode oomposed for tbe occasion by tbe Orand Bard was re-
cited at this stage of tbe proceedings.
The ceremony being conclnded the Grand Lodge retamed in interted
order to the Quadrangle of the University, where the Qrand Master
held a Masonic Levee, the Masters and Wardens of each Lodge being
presented separately to His Qrace, according to their seniority on the
roll^ after which the Brethren were congratulated on the yery successful
termination of the day's eventful proceedings, and the Grand Lodge was
closed in ample form.
On the S2d July the Foundation-stone of the Royal Infirmary at
Dundee was laid with Masonic solemnities by His Grace the Grand
Master, assisted by the Officers and Members of the Grand Lodge, and
the Brethren belonging to the following Daughter Lodges, numbering
nearly 2,000, viz. —
Scoon and Perth. . Operative, Coupar- Angus.
Canongate and Leith, L. and C. Lindores, Newburgh.
St John, Dunkeld. St Gyre, Auchtermuchty.
St John, Cupar-Fife. Royal Arch, Perth.
St Andrew, St Andrews. Operative, Dunkeld.
Aberdeen. Thistle Operative, Dundee.
St Thomas, Arbroath. Incorporated Kilwinning, Mon-
Operative, Dundee. trose.
Ancient, Dundee. Forfar and Kincardine, Dundee.
Kirkaldy. Caledonian, Dundee.
St Andrew, Perth. Panmure, Arbroath.
St David, Dundee. King Robert the Bruce, Auchter-
Elgin, Leven, (Fifeshire). muchty.
Glammis. Lower, Forfar.
St Vigean, Arbroath. Camperdown, Dundee.
The Grand Lodge having been opened in ample form, it was ad-
journed to the Queen's Quay, where it took its place in the procession
after the Daughter Lodges, — ^marshalled according to seniority, — and
proceeded under the Royal Arch on the Quay, by Castle Street, High
Street, Reform Street, Constitution Road, and Somerville Place, to the
site of the Building.
The Grand Master and Grand Lo<lge on reaching the platform appro-
priated to them, were received by The Baron Panmure, Lord Lieutenant
of the County, by the Deputy Lieutenants of Forfarshire, Sir John Ogiivy,
Bart., Chairman of the Directors of the Royal Infirmary, and. other
public functionaries.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 299
A most appropriate and impressive prayer having been offered up by
the Qrand Chaplain, a bottle, containing the coins of the present reign,
plans, &c., was placed in the cavity of the Fonndation-stone, which
having been covered by the inscription plate, the upper stone was
lowered and placed in its bed according to the rules of Masonry.
On the conclusion of the ceremony the Grand Master made his report
to Brother Sir John Ogilvy, and congratulated him upon the commence*
ment of so noble a structure, destined to afford both relief and consola-
tion to suffering humanity. Sir John having replied, and Lord Panmure,
the Provost of Dundee, and George Duncan, Esq., M.P. for the Burgh,
having severally addressed the Grand Master, and thanked his Grace for
his attendance, and that of the Grand Lodge and Daughter Lodges, on
this occasion, a Royal Salute was fired, signifying^ that the interesting
proceedings were concluded.
The procession returned to Dundee in inverted order, where the Grand
Lodge was closed in ample form.
A Masonic banquet was held in the afternoon in a pavilion fitted up
for the occasion. About 800 Brethren were present, who were presided
over by His Grace the Grand Master, supported by Lord Kinnaird,
Lord Panmure, and others who had taken part in the proceedings in the
earlier part of the day.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d August Brother Lord James
Charles Plantagenet Murray was selected to represent the Grand Lodge
of Scotland in the Grand Lodge of England, with the rank of a Past
Senior Grand Warden.
Proposals for the interchange of representatives between the Grand
Lodges of Sweden and Hamburg and the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
were this year cordially agreed to.^
The death of the Right Honourable William Ramsay Maule, Baron
Panmure, Past Grand Master, and Provincial Grand Master of Forfar-
^ [On 2d May 1853 Brother Carl Ferdinand linger was appointed, with the
rank of a Junior Grand Warden, representative to the Grand Lodge of Ham-
burg, and the commission from that Grand Lodge in favour of Brother
Adolphas Robin ow as its representative in the Grand Lodge of Scotland was
duly sustained. A Royal appointment in favour of Brother William Alex.
Laurie, Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Scotland, from His Majesty the King
and the Grand Lodge of Sweden, was unanimously confirmed on 6th Feb-
ruary 1854, ond a commission appointing Brother Adolf Gustaf bredenberg
representative from this Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Sweden, was
ordered to be expede; which commission was duly honoured by the Grand
Lodge of Sweden, and Brother Bredenberg formally installed therein as repre-
sentative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. — £.]
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300 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
shire, and of Brother John Babington, Provincial Grand Master of
Dumfriesshire, having been respectively intimated, the Grand Lodge
directed the Grand Secretary to transmit letters to Lady Panmnre and
Mrs Babington, condoling with them on the irreparable loss they had
sustained.
The following Provincial Grand Masters were appointed in the
course of this year, viz. — Brother John Stewart of Nateby Hall,
Dumfrtesshire ; Brother the Right Honourable Fox, Baron Panmure,
For&rshire ; and George Skene Duff, Esq., M.P., Elgin and Moray
Shires. Charters were, during the same period, granted to the follow-
ing Lodges :— " Athole," Halifax, Nova Scotia ; " St Clair," Glasgow ;
"Victoria," Belgaum; and " St Andrew," Fredericton, New Brunswick.
1852. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th February 1853, a reduction
(from Six Shillings and Sixpence to Four Shillings and Sixpence) in the
Fees for Grand Lodge Diplomas was unanimously agreed to. It was
intimated at this meeting that Brother The Lord Panmure had been
appointed by the Grand Lodge of England to represent her in the
Grand Lodge of Scotland.
On 4th March the death of Brother John Tinsley, one of the Grand
Marshals, was intimated to the Committee by the Grand Secretary, who
expressed their sincere regret at the loss which the Grand Lodge had sus-
tained by the death of so excellent, upright^ and trustworthy an official.
On 7th July the Foundatiou-stone of an Asylum or Hospital for
Defective Children at Baldovan, near Dundee, the seat of Brother Sir
John Ogilvy, Bart., was laid with the solemnities of Masonry, by Bro-
ther J. Whyte Melville, the Depute Grand Master of Scotland, sup-
ported by several Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge, in presence of a
large assemblage of Brethren belonging to the Lodges in the Province
of Forfarshire, and a vast concourse of spectators, for whose comfort and
convenience every accommodation had been made by Sir John and Lady
Ogilvy.
At the Quarterly Communication on 1st August letters were read
from Brother Carl Ferdinand Unger, Representative of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland at the Grand Lodge of Hamburg, thanking the Grand
Lodge for the honour conferred upon him at last Quarterly Communica-
tion, and announcing his installation as Representative of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland on 26th June last.
On the presentation of a Petition from the Members of the Lodge
" Kilwinning-in-the-East," No. 353, praying, for reasons therein assigned,
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 301
that the Grand Lodge would change the name of said Lodge to that of
** St David-in-the-East/' Calcutta ; the Grand Lodge, after mature
deliberation, acceded to the prayer thereof, and a Charter, No. 371 on
the Roll of the Grand Lodge, was subsequently granted to them, under
the new designation.
At this meeting the jurisdiction of Brother Sir Allan Napier Macnab,
as Provincial Grand Master of Canada, was restricted (at his own
request) to West or Upper Canada, and Brother Thomas Douglas Har-
ington was appointed Provincial Grand Master of East or Lower
Canada.
A petition from the Lodge St John, Woodhall, for extension of its
jurisdiction to Bellshill, a village about two miles from Woodhall, but
both in the Parish of Bothwell, having been presented, the prayer thereof
was acceded to on 22d August, to the effect of empowering the Members
thereof, when assembled in terms of Grand Lodge Laws, Chap, xxi,
sec. 1 3, to meet as a regular Lodge at Bellshill as well as at Woodhall,
but not in these separate places at one and the same time, or under dif-
ferent Office-bearers ; an indorsation to this effect being made upon
their Charter, and recorded in the Grand Lodge Chartulary.
By sanction of tho Grand Lodge the Foundation-stone of the first of
a range of Villas on the lands of Rosebank was laid with Masonic
solemnities on the 1st October, under the auspices of the Lodge Royal
Arch, Cambuslang.
Charters were this year expede in favour of the following Lodges,
viz. — " Keith," Halifax, Nova Scotia j " United Tradesmen," Geelong ;
and '' Athole Union/' Falmouth, Jamaica.
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302 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
CHAPTER XIV.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND FROM
NOVEMBER 30, 1853, TO LAYING OF THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF THE
NEW MASONIC HALL ON SUMMER ST JOHN's DAY 1858.
1853. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustas Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, K.T., Grand Master. Brother Alexander Mac-
kenzie was elected Grand Director of Music> in room of Brother Wil-
liam R. Montignani, resigned.
At the Quarterly Communication on 6th February 1854, the Grand
Lodge approved of a recommendation by the Grand Committee as to
a regular and uniform system of Books for Daughter Lodges; which
recommendation was considered to be thoroughly practical and bene-
ficial in its nature, and likely to prove of essential service to the
Craft. ^
On 20th February an application was laid before the Grand Com-
mittee in reference to laying the Foundation-stone of a New Town Hall
at Stow on the 21st; on considering which, and the emergency which
had arisen, the Grand Committee, without wishing to interfere with the
privileges of the Proviucial Grand Master of Peebles and Selkirkshires,
authorised Brother Alexander Mitchell of Stow to officiate on the occa-
sion, and granted the use of the Grand Lodge paraphernalia, in terms
of the rules specified in Grand Lodge Laws.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th August the resignation of
the Hon. James Jarrett, Provincial Grand Master of the Bahamas, was
read, and received with much regret, and a cordial vote of thanks
awarded him for his past able services in the cause of Masonry in his
Province.
^ [These Books, bound to a particular pattern, are supplied, on application to
the Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk, either in sets or separately, at the following
prices, and being contracted for by Grand Lodge in large qnantities, are more
moderate than if made up by Lodges for themselves : — Whole set, consisting of
four Books, L.3 : 3s. : separately, Petition Book, L.l ; Minute Book, L.1 : 3s. ;
Attendance Book, 10s. ; Cash or Treasurer's Book, 10s. — E.j
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 303
At the Quarterly Com muni cation on the 6th Novemb^ a Charter
was expede in &voar of the Lodge " Eastern Star/' Port of Spain,
Trinidad.
1854. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustas Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, K.T., Grand Master.
On 29th January 1 855, the Grand Lodge ordered a certified copy of
the Charter granted to the Lodge St John, Greytown, Mosquito, to be
forwarded to that Lodge, in consequence of the original one, with the
Jewels, Furniture, Ac, belonging to it, having been totally destroyed
in the wanton destruction of that town by the United States' sloop of war
'' Cyane," on 13th July 1854.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th February, the Grand Lodge
learned with deep regret the death, in January last, of their old and
trusted servant, Brother Donald Ross, the Senior Grand Tyler, who had
held office in Grand Lodge since 30th November 1829.
At this Communication Brother Robert Campbell, of Sydney, Member
of the Legislative Council, was appointed Provincial Grand Master of
New South Wales. A Charter was at the same time granted to the
Lodge '' St Andrew Kilwinning," St Andrew, Jamaica.
The death of Brother Lord Frederick Fitz- Clarence, G.C.H., Past
Grand Master of Scotland, which took place at Poorundhur, Bombay, on
30th October last, having been reported to the Grand Lodge at this
meeting, it was recommended by the Grand Committee, on the motion of
Brother Steventon, that in order to mark the estimation in which the
deceased Past Grand Master was held by his Brethren, a Grand Funeral
Lodge should be held in memory of the illustrious deceased Brother in
Queen Street Hall, on the 24th current ; which recommendation the
Grand Lodge unanimously sustained.
This impressive Ceremonial took place accordingly on the above named
evening, and was presided over by the Depute Grand Master, Brother
W byte-Melville, in the unavoidable absence of His Grace the Grand
Master. The Lodge having been opened in the Master's Degree, the
service was in every respect solemn and effective, in the course of which
the following Oration was pronounced by the Rev. Dr Amot, the Very
Worshipful the Grand Chaplain : —
" Brethren, — We have assembled this evening on an occasion of
unusual solemnity. The Grand Lodge, in ordinary circumstances, does
not present these emblems of mourning and woe which we now behold ;
and our ears are not familiar with the wailing notes of anthem and re-
quiem chaunted for the dead. Twelve years have passed since my
reverend predecessor, Brother Boyle, delivered an Oration before the
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304 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Grand Lodge on occasion of the death of His Royal Highness the Dake
of Sussex, Grand Master of England. It is now my duty to discharge
the same office in memory of His Excellency Lieutenant-General the
Lord Frederick Fitz-Clarence, G.C.H., late Past Grand Master of
Scotland, who departed this life on the SOth October last.
" Death, wherever and in whatever form presented to our contem-
plation, is directly suggestive of solemn sentiments and serious reflec-
tions. There is something so truly marvellous and interesting in Life,
animated existence; something in our own instinctive feelings so alien to
the idea of dissolution, and so utterly averse to the conception of non-
existence ; so much mental happiness and corporeal enjoyment results
from the ' fearful and wonderful ' organization wherewith it has pleased
the Almighty Creator to endow us ; and so dark a veil is interposed
between futurity and the unassisted faculties of man, that it is not sur-
prising wo should be deeply affected by the spectacle of mortality, and
ourselves be conscious of a ' secret dread and inward horror of falling
into nought.' So strong, indeed, is our attachment to life, that it would
seeVn we have no clearer and more satisfactory idea of immortality than
that afforded in our consciousness of existence, indefinitely prolonged ;
for in contemplating the future in connection with our own individuality,
we cannot avoid carrying forward, even through the most distant cycles
of time, that very consciousness which at the present moment bids us
repel the notion of annihilation as an impossibility. We feel that we
cannot realise the idea of non-existence now, and that same feeling pre-
vents us from conceiving it as the doom of hereafter. Hence death, while
it does not demonstrate that all which constitutes the living, thinking,
sensitive, acting, responsible being, Man, has gone for ever to mingle
with the insensate elements of nature — ' dust to dust, and earth to
earth ' — ^yet makes us pause, with a strange shudder, to meditate on the
dismal mission which the unseen ^ king of terrors ' so unremittingly and
impartially fulfils among the animated tribes of this lower world, and to
ask — Where is now that conscious mind which was so largely inspired
with a ^ pleasing hope, a fond desire, a longing after immortality, and
which shrunk back on itself, and startled at destruction' 1 All the hap-
piness of which we are the subjects is connected with life, and we shrink
from death as that which seems to extinguish the susceptibility of happi-
ness, or at least to sever us from all the wonted sources whence happi-
ness was derived.
" Death — solemn, mysterious, painful, in itself — assumes a still more
solemn aspect in consequence of the manifold relations in which we stand
to our fellow-creatures, who are all placed under the universal law of
nature, — *the common lot' of mortality. No man is so solitary, so
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THE HISTORY OF FR£E MASONRY. 305
isolated in society^ as not to feel dependence on some others for blessings
enjoyed or in prospect. Sympathy — ^identification of interests — ^more
or less purely and keenly felt, is characteristic of human nature, in all
grades and conditions of existence. Love is a principle so inextingnish-
able, so diYine, that amid the ruins of humanity it lingers like some
phantom, which, though it cannot appear in the broad light of day, on a
scene where such foul shame and dishonour has been offered to its holy,
heavenly name, yet will not altogether depart nor cease to cherish the
fond hope that a brighter era shall arrive, when it will again take pos-
session of that heart which was originally framed to awaken tenderness
and benevolence in every pulsation. Man is attached to man by a
thousand ties even when he knows it not» and cannot dream how and
when these ' cords of love' were woven into the * bands of man.' Nay —
and we use not the language of poetry only when we make the affirma-
tion— ^there is nothing which has life, from the nobler of the inferior
animals down to the scented shrub and the blooming flower, with which
we do not feel ourselves closely connected by the subtile laws of sym-
pathy. Now Death comes in, and robs love of the visible object on
which it reposed. It cannot indeed break the sacred union of sympathy
which has been formed between the generous and pure in heart ; for
while memory lives, affection for the departed lives too, chastened and
hallowed by the subduing touch of time, but embalmed by the spirit of
love, and enveloped in the folds of undying devotedness. The most
vivid idea, perhaps, we have of death, is derived from the loss of
a dear friend ; and the soul of the good and the leal is never so much
solemnized and fortified against the vanities of a passing world as when
one by one of the near and the beloved is laid in the narrow house
appointed for us all ; and never do they feel more reconciled to the
inevitable destiny of the race than when they reflect that all they most
valued and clung to have gone before them to * that country from whose
bourne no traveller returns.' And how varied are the ties, how nume-
rous the relations, how tender the sympathies by which society is bound
together ! Personal, domestic, social, patriotic — all endearing while
they last, they are all destined to dissolution by death. Unnatural,
mysterious, unintelligible, though death be, it is witnessed every day ;
every day its bitterness is felt by the bereaved ; every day some Rachel
is heard ' weeping for her children, because they are not ;' some one is
heard crying in the anguish of his soul, ' would to God I had died for
thee,' my friend, my brother, * my son I'
'' But there are other ties besides those of blood and friendship
which are painfully severed by death. When the great and the
good, who have occupied and adorned high stations in society, but
20
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306 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
whose feces we hare never seen in the flesh, and who are known
to ns only hy the yoice of fame, or through the magic of that art
by which the image of man is immortalised, are called from the scone
which their wisdom and yirtnes tended to irradiate and beautify, a
whole people, uncovered in reverential awe, pays homage to de-
parted worth, feeling that when such men perish the pillars of the
9arth are shaken. We seek not now frigidly to analyse the emotion
which arises in such cases as we allude to ; but that such an emotion
does arise none will deny. And if that emotion partake not of the
poignant and overwhelming grief with which we consign to the grave
those who, in the various pursuits of life, have long been partakers in
our joys and our sorrows, our struggles and our triumphs, it possesses at
least the sacred calmness of disinterested' sorrow, and inspires with un-
wonted loftiness of soul, by raising us, in our sympathetic regrets, for
the moment, almost to the level of the greatness and the worth which
we feel it to be a privilege to admire and reverence. Communities —
civil and ecclesiastical — Provinces and Nations, thus express their cor-
porate sense of the loss sustained in the death of their rulers and bene-
fectors ; and there is something at once becoming and impressive in the
insignia of mourning displayed on the occasion. And, Brethren, it were
surely a gratuitous insult to the character of Masonry to suppose that
the members of an Order, not more venerable for its antiquity than dis-
tinguished for all the virtues which compose the very essence of Brother-
hood— the pith and marrow of humanity — should be behind others in
evincing such a spirit of cordial sympathy, when conspicuous Office-
bearers are lost to them ; or that one, who but lately filled the exalted
office of Past Grand Master, could cease to exist without a summons
being issued for a meeting like this which we now hold.
" The late Lord Frederick Fitz-Clarence was the second son of William
IV ; he was bom in December 1799, and was therefore in his 55th year
when he died. He entered the army as a Lieutenant, in the 13th year
of his age, and seems throughout his life to have been devoted to his
profession. He was commander of the garrison at Portsmouth at the
time of receiving the appointment of Governor of the Bombay Presi-
dency, and was considered one of the most intelligent, smart, and active
officers in the service. It was there that he devoted himself with such
earnestness to the moral and intellectual improvement of the troops, —
he himself delivering lectures for their instruction, as an example to the
officers under him. He was a man of much kindness of heart and in-
tegrity of purpose ; and his death, said the " Bombay Times," casts for
the present a gloom over our society. He was attended in his last hours
by the Rev. Mr Fletcher of Poena ; and without pomp or ceremony his
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 307
body was taken to Poona on the afternoon of the dOth October, to be
forwarded to England for interment in the family vault. I have farther
to add, that His Excellency was ever an intelligent, zealous, and con-
sistent Member and Office-bearer of our honourable Order.
'^ I need not, then, particularly recite the reasons why you hold a
Funeral Lodge this evening. You do so out of respect to the memory
of one -who, besides being of Royal descent, and a most conscientious
and excellent officer, was highly esteemed in all the rektions of life, and
was, in an especial manner, an honour to Masonry — ^by his conduct
reflecting back the honour it had conferred on him, in his elevation to
the supreme dignity of Grand Master of Scotland. But I feel it to be
incumbent on me to address to you a few, and I hope not unsuitable
thoughts, suggested by the event which has been the cause of our pre-
sent convention.
" We cannot assemble as a Lodge of Masons, even on the most
ordinary occasion, without being reminded that we are Brethren in a
peculiar sense. We are Brethren by all the solemnities of a ritual
nearly world-old, and by the adoption and maintenance of social and
religious principles coeval with the human race. This is neither the
place nor the time, and I am not the person, to give a sketch of the
history of Masoniy ; but I may be permitted to say, that no association
now existing on the face of the earth bears such marks of antiquity as
the Society of Free Masons. It was through means of select and par-
tially secret companies that the great truths of religion in the earliest
ages of the world were preserved and transmitted from generation to
generation. Diffusion of truth, then, would have had the very opposite
effect of diffusion of truth now. There was no printing press to stereo-
type the revelations of heaven. Centralization in the custodiership was
absolutely necessary to prevent truth from being utterly corrupted by
the admixtures which are unavoidable in traditionary transmission.
The true religion, as you all know, was committed, so to speak, to an
' earthen vessel,' — to one chosen race, which, compared with the world
at large, was but a secret society, with all its signs and symbols of
initiation, and fraternity, and instruction in spiritual truth. I know
not if it has been ascertained at how early a period the secrets of
Masonry proper — I mean architectural science— were conserved by a
confederated association ; but I venture to assert that, along with these
secrets of the Craft, and even anterior to them, higher truths and a sub-
limer science than the principles of a merely mundane architecture were
taught orally, or by symbolical representations, within the guarded
chambers of the eastern sages. The arts of the peaceful Craft during
the many cruel persecutions to which it was subjected, to a great extent
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308 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
perished ; but what noble moouments have been left for the nineteenth
centurjto wonder at^ and strive in vain to rival ! Many of the symbols,
through which all important truths were conveyed to the initiated, may
be irrecoverably lost ; but the great principles on which the Society
was founded remain in all their simplicity, beauty, freshness, and power.
Piety to God, and Love to Man, is the motto which is still emblazoned
on the Mason's banner, and engraved on the Mason's heart. We are,
then, only carrying out into act our prime principles of piety and frater-
nity when we meet to-night to celebrate the virtues and deplore the
loss of a Brother of exalt^ rank and office. While we profess to love
the living, we cannot but mourn over the dead. And it is our privilege
to indulge the delightful thought that the principles of Masonry, im-
pregnated, purified, and etherialised by the spirit of Christianity, with
which Masonry so naturally and lovingly assimilates, may have cheered
the fainting heart of our late Grand Master, as he listened to the last
offices of religion performed by- a serYant of Christ beside his dying
couch. Requiescat in pace !
" Brethren, permit me, ere I close, to remind you that the living shew
respect for the dead best when they profit by their example and imitate
their virtues. Empty barren eulogy is but mockery pronounced by the
lips of hypocrisy. If there is not ' that within which passeth show' —
sincere admiration of the virtues and graces which were cultivated by
those whose memory we profess to cherish, — ^vain are ' the trappings
and the suits of woe' which we display, and the eulogistic language
which we utter. We can pass an infinitely higher encomium on our
deceased Brother by our future lives than we can by the most eloquent
panegyrick the tongue of man can pronounce.
" Let us then remember that we are called, as Masons and as Christ-
ians, with ^ a high and holy calling.' Each of us has a mission of deep
responsibility to fulfil. That mission is practical obedience to the law of
love. We have a Master, even Christ, whom we are bound by every
conceivable obligation to love with ^ all our heart and soul and strength
and mind.' If we truly love Him, we will keep his commandments.
And this is His commandment, that ' we love one another.' We should
shew this love not in words merely, but in active benevolence. The
most unequivocal proof of benevolence is an example of honesty, sobriety,
generosity, piety. Masons should let their light so shine before the
world that no aspersions may be cast upon their Order ; and while they
boast of the principles of their Craft, they should beware lest, through
carelessness, or inconsistency of conduct, they afford an occasion to the
unintiated to throw out this reproachful taunt, ' What do ye more than
others)' For our own personal well-being the cultivation of a virtuous
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 309
and religions spirit is indispensably necessary. If we lived habitually
as we oaght^ and as we might, we should be f^r happier and more useful
than we are. He who is most attentive to the calls of present duty is
least exposed to the morbid anticipations of an uncertain future, and will
be found at last to be best prepared to surrender his spirit into the hands
of Him who gave it. ' Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that
which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one
to another with brotherly love ; in honour preferring one another ; not
slothful in business ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord ; distributing
to the necessity of the saints ; given to hospitality. Bless them who
persecute you ; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice,
and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one towards
another.'
" The thought of death should stimulate our exertions and confirm our
resolutions in a course of well-doing. For at death all the exertions and
resolutions of man in his probationary state terminate. ' There is no
work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither we
go.' And as our time on earth is short and uncertain, we should be all
the more diligent in working out our own salvation, and doing all the
good our ability can compass. Let us work in fiebith and humility, love
and hope ; let us do all and suffer all that is appointed to us, submis-
sively, contentedly, cheerfully ; and then we shall * be blest in our work.'
* The night cometh in which no man can work ;' but how enviable the
condition of that man who, when the shades of that final night are
closing around him, can say, ' I have finished the work given me to do :
I have fought a good fight, and kept the fisiith j and I am now permitted
to depart in peace.'
'' And oh ! Brethren, how transporting the assurance that death levels
all distinctions, and commits us all to the same bed of rest, only that a
surpassingly glorious reconstruction of the frail materials of which we
are composed may be effected through the almighty working of that
infinitely great Architect who * in the beginning created the heavens
and the earth;' who formed ' Man in his own image;' who, by the
sovereign and blessed operation of the Holy Spirit, creates us anew into
that same image, and fits us for entering into those mansions in our
heavenly Father's house, which are prepared for all the faithful ;
' Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith
the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do
follow them. ' Now, the God of peace, that brought again from the
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the
blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good
work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing
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310 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
in His sight, throngh Jesus Christ> to whom be glory for erer and ever.
Amen."
The music, selected from Mozart, Handel, and Mendelssohn, was ad-
mirably rendered by Brothers Herr Formes, Reichardt^ and Gregorio, to
whom, and to Brothers Mackenzie and Keiser, the thanks of the Grand
Lodge were awarded for their gratuitous and yaluable professional
assistance.^ At the close of the service the Right Worshipful the
Depute Grand Master addressed the Brethren to the following effect : —
" My Brethren, — After the very eloquent and impressive Oration
pronounced by our talented Grand Chaplain, I should not have consider-
ed it necessary to allude to the many excellent qualities of our late
lamented and distinguished Past Grand Master, were it not from my
personal knowledge of him for so many years. From a period previous
to the ' Cato Street Conspiracy,' where he so honourably distinguished
himself as a Lieutenant in Her Majesty's Guards, to the time of his
embarkation for Bombay — a period extending over more than thirty
years — I had constant opportunities of enjoying his friendship ; and I
can truly say that a more kind and indulgent husband, a more affec-
tionate father or sincere friend, one more anxious to relieve distress or
assuage the sorrows of others, did not exist. As a regimental officer he
early distinguished himself by his zeal for the service ; and as Major-
General he held the distinguished post of Commander-in-Chief at Ports-
mouth, from which, upon being made Lieutenant -General, he was
appointed to the honourable command at Bombay, in the execuiion of
which it pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to take him hence.
As a Mason he was ever desirous to promote the first objects of Masonry
— charity to his poorer Brethren, and kindness and good-will to all.
There must be many here whom I have now the honour to address who
were of ' the unintiated' at the time when the late Lord Frederick
Fitz-Clarence was Grand Master Mason of Scotland ; but all who were
present upon the occasion of Her Majesty's first visit to Scotland in
1842 must remember the kind solicitude evinced by him to enable all
his Brethren to get a good view of the pageant as Her Majesty passed
from Holyrood-Palace to the Castle in front of our platform, where we
had just been performing the interesting ceremony of lajring the Foun-
dation-stone of that beautiful building, the new Assembly Hall. Upon
every occasion, too, that I have met him, when coming from Scotland, he
invariably inquired most kindly after his Brethren of the Scottish Craft."
^ [The proceeds being in aid of the Fund of ScottiBh Masonic Bene-
volence.— E.]
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THB HISTORY OF FRBB MASONBT. 311
At the Quarterly Commanioation on 7th May, the foUowing Address
of Condolence was voted to Lady Frederick Fitz-Clarence : —
'* To The Right Honourable The Lady Frederick Fitz-Clarencb,
&c., &c., &c,,
" We, the Most Noble George Augustus Frederick John, Duke of
Athole, K.T., Grand Master Mason of Scotland, John Whyte Mel-
ville of Bennochy and Strathkinness^ Depute Grand Master, Sir
Robert Menzies of that Ilk, Bart., Substitute Grand Master, Patrick
Keir of Kindrogan, Senior Grand Warden, Francis Robert, Lord
Loughborough, Junior Grand Warden, and remanent Office-bearers of
The Grand Lodge of Sootland, for Ourselves, and in name and on
behalf of the other Members of the Grand Lodge, in Grand Lodge
assembled.
" The Almighty Architect of the Universe, the Well-Disposer of all
events, having been pleased to remove from amongst us our late much
respected and much esteemed Past Grand Master, Lord Frederick Fltz-
Clarence— a loss which we, as a fraternity, have great reason to deplore,
— now offer to your Ladyship our sincere and heartfelt sympathies and
condolence on the afflicting bereavement which has deprived your Lady-
ship and us of one so deservedly and generally beloved.
<< Permit us at the same time to assure your Ladyship, that the
Scottish Craft will long cherish in kind remembrance, as well as with
pride and gratitude, the prominent and influential part which our late
respected Past Grand Master took in their affairs while holding the office
of Grand Master Mason of Scotland, — and more particularly at the
period of Her Majesty's first visit to this Kingdom, — ^how, prompted by
so much good feeling, his Lordship successfully exerted himself in bring-
ing before Her Majesty's especial notice the true loyalty of Her nume-
rous subjects, the Free Masons of Scotland, assembled on that auspicious
occasion to do honour to their beloved Sovereign.
" Under the severe dispensation with which it hath pleased God to
visit you, we must bow with all submission, while we would, with every
sentiment of fraternal sympathy, commend you to the care and holy
keeping of Him who is at all times the husband of the Widow and the
stay of the Orphan.
" Signed in name and by appointment of the Office-bearers and
Members of the Grand Lodge, in Grand Lodge assembled,
at Edinburgh, this 7th day of May 1855, A. L. 5855.
(Signed) " Athole, Gd. Master Mason''
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312 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
This Address was entrusted to the Depnte Grand Master for presenta-
tion ; who read, at the Quarterly Commnnication on 6th Augnst, the
following extract from the reply of her Ladyship : —
" I am deeply touched by the honour done to the memory of the late
Lord Fitz-Clarence, in the document from the Grand Lodge of Scotland
which I have received from you to-day, and I thank you most truly for
the kind manner in which you have conveyed it to me.
" May I beg of you to express to the Grand Lodge the profound sen-
timents with which I read the testimony of the respect and affection
they entertain and cherish for their Past Grand Master, and my earnest
and grateful thanks for the sympathies and condolence they have ex-
pressed towards myself.'*
On the same evening, (7th May,) the Grand Lodge recorded an ex-
pression of sympathy with Brother Hector Gavin, a Grand Steward,
and a very old Member of the Grand Lodge, on the melancholy and
sudden death in the Crimea of his son. Brother Dr H. Gavin, late of
the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning.
The resignation of Brother Le Geyt, as Provincial Grand Master of
Western India> was laid before the Grand Lodge at this Communica-
tion ; who, as an acknowledgment of his past services, and in order to
mark their confidence in his judgment, unanimously agreed, upon his
recommendation, to appoint Brother Henry Durance Cartwright his
successor in the government of that Province.
Of this date. May 7, a Charter was expede in favour of the Lodge
Renfrew County Kilwinning, Paisley.
An extremely curious and interesting Cast, containing Masonic marks
taken from Glasgow Cathedral, and bearing the date of 1556, was ex-
hibited to the Grand Committee on 5th October by the Grand Secre-
tary, on the part of Brother Kerr, Past Master of Lodge Journey-
men, No. 8.
An invitation from the Lodge St Andrew, Boston, Massachusetts,
originally holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, to attend by delega-
tion the Centennial Anniversary of said Lodge in Boston, on St Andrew's
Day ensuing, was laid before the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Com-
munication on 5th November ; upon reading which Brothers Clark and
Taylor, members of the Lodge Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, at present
resident in Boston, were empowered to represent this Grand Lodge on
the occasion referred to.
At this Communication, Brother Dr F. D. M'Cowan, Right Worship-
ful Master of the Lodge No. 1, presented a commission appointing him
representative in this Grand Lodge from the Grand Orient of France,
which was unanimously sustained ; and Brother P. Claude, Secretary to
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 313
said GtbucI Orient, was chosen to represent the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land in the Grand Orient of France. At the same time the Grand Lodge
appointed Brother Carl Von Dahlen, Ph. D., <bc., as her representative at
the Grand Lodge of Prassia, with the rank of a Janior Grand Warden. ^
The Morison Library was declared to be patent to all Members of the
Grand Lodge, and to all other daly qualified Master Masons, recom-
mended by Members thereof.
Amongst the Tarions presents to the Grand Lodge daring the past
year was a beantiful MS. copy of the Al Koran, from the Rev. Her-
mann Philip, D.D. and M.D., Alexandria, Egypt; and from Brother the
Lord Longhborongh, Janior Grand Warden, a magnificent, carious, and
elaborate Prayer Carpet, Altar Covering, or Veil to a secret door or holy
recess in the Temple at Mecca, embroidered on Mecca cloth by Holy Men
and Pilgrims, with representations of objects sacred to Mahomedan as
well as to Christian Master Masons.
1855. November 30. The Most Noble George Angastas Frederick
John, Dake of Athole, K.T., Grand Master.
At an extraordinary meeting of Grand Committee, held on Saturday
evening the 2d February 1856, in consequence of the sudden death of
Brother James Linning Woodman, the Grand Clerk, it was agreed to
recommend to the Grand Lodge, at the Quarterly Communication on
Monday next, —
" 1. That on account of the deep regret which is felt by the Brethren
on the present melancholy occasion, the business of the Quarterly Com-
munication should be strictly confined to recording the event of the
death of Brother James Linning Woodman, their late Grand Clerk, not
only as a mark of fraternal respect to the memory of that Brother, but
also to evince the sense the Grand Lodge entertained of their late
Brother's active and efficient discharge of the duties of his office.
*' 2. That an extract of the Minute, conveying the above sentiments,
should be transmitted to the Widow of the deceased, by the Grand
Secretary, assuring her at sametime how deeply the Brethren sympathize
with her on the present afflicting bereavement."
Accordingly, at the Quarterly Communication on the 4th February,
these resolutions were unanimously adopted, the Depute Grand Master
presiding ; who, in moving the same, delivered a very feeling and eulogistic
1 [A oommiBsion from the Grand Lodge of Prussia, appointing Brother Pro-
fessor Aytoun her representative at the Grand Lodge of Scotland, was sustained
at the Quarterly Commnnication on 4th August 1856.— K.J
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314 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
address on the loss sostained by the Grand Lodge and the Graft in
general.
A pro re naia meeting for proceeding with the business of the Com-
munication was ordered to be called for the dd March next, at which
Charters were expede in favour of two Lodges, yiz.— " St John, Mathew-
town," Inag^, Bahamas, and " Star-in-the-East," Turkish Contingent.
At a pro re nata meeting held on the Slst March, Brother Alexander
James Stewart, Proxy Master of the Lodge St John, Dunkeld, was
unanimously electe^d to the office of Grand Clerk ad interim.
At the Quarterly Communication on 5th May, a Declaration of Inde*
pendence, and Erection of a new Grand Lodge in Canada, by forty-one
Lodges holding of the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, was pre-
sented. At same time a letter was read from the Provincial Grand
Master of Lower Canada, by which it appeared that all the Lodges in
his Province holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland had not only
determined to remain staunch to their allegiance but repudiated the
idea of severing a connection which they were so desirous to maintain
with their Mother Grand Lodge. Whereupon it was moved by the
Grand Master, and duly seconded, '' that, in respect to the very satis-
factory explanations afforded by the communication of the Provincial
Grand Master of Canada East^ the above Declaration of Independ-
ence be not received, nor the parties thereto acknowledged by this Grand
Lodge in any manner, as a separate Grand Lodge, independent of those
of England and Ireland, from which the members of it appear to have
originated.** Which motion was unanimously agreed to, and the Grand
Secretary was directed to convey to the Lodges in Canada under the
Scottish jurisdiction, through the Provincial Grand Master, the expression
of the fraternal wishes felt towards them by the Grand Lodge ; and in
the Annual Circular to the Daughter Lodges the Grand Secretary,
commenting on the high state of efficiency und JUial dtUy of the Daughter
Lodges in the Colonies, remarked '' that it had been a matter of great
satisfia^tion to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and the Grand
Lodge to receive from the Provincial Grand Lodges of Canada such
repeated assurances of their staunch and loyal adherence to the laws and
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland."
At this meeting a Charter was granted to certain Brethren for the
erection of a Lodge by the name, style, and title, of " St John, Croffc-
head,*' Whitburn ; and at the Quarterly Communication on 4th August a
Charter was also expede in favour of the Lodge " Neptune," Aberdeen.
On 6th May His Grace the Grand Master, accompanied by several
of the Grand Officers and a number of the Brethren and deputations
from the most of the Lodges in the Edinburgh District, paid a Grand
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TUB UISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 315
Lodge Visitation to the Lodge St Stephen, No. 145, and were received
by the Right Worshipful Master and Brethren thereof with every mark
of fraternal respect; before retiring the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master expressed himself as highly satisfied with the state of the Lodge,
as also with the arrangements upon this occasion, and with the cordial
and Masonic reception he had received.
At the Quarterly Communication on 3d November the Right Wor-
shipful Master of the Lodge St John, Wilsontown Iron-Works, was
appointed to preside at the consecration and erection of the Lodge St
John, at Crofthead, Whitburn.
The recommendation of the Committee that a sum be voted for the
relief of those Brethren who had suffered from the inundations in
France, was, upon a motion to that effect, unanimously approved of, and
L.20 ordered to be transmitted from the funds of the Grand Lodge to
the Secretary of the Grand Orient of France, to be disposed of by him
for the purpose contemplated.
1856. December 1. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, K.T., Grand Master.
Brother Alexander James Stewart, Proxy Master, St John, Dunkeld,
No. 14, was elected Grand Clerk.
The Lodge Mother Kilwinning having renewed the application to
have her Intrants recorded for Two Shillings and Sixpence each, it was
resolved, at the Quarterly Communication on 3d August 1857, to
adhere to the decision pronounced by the Grand Lodge on 1st May
1837, and again homologated on 6th May 1839 ; no new fact having
been elicited to necessitate a departure from these previous deliverances.
Brother H. S. M'Cartney, who had been commissioned to act as Pro-
vincial Grand Master pro tern, of the Bahamas, at the Quarterly Com-
munication on 4th May 1857, was, at this Communication, 3d August,
appointed Provincial Grand Master thereof, with the usual powers.
At the request of the Grand Lodge of Pern, Lima, &c., on good cause
being shewn, this Grand Lodge agreed to disown the Brethren of the
Lodge " Concordia Universel," instituted in the Valley of Callas, and
also those of the Lodge '* £8trella Polar," Lima ; both of said Lodges
having been expelled by the Grand Lodge of Peru.
1857. November 30. The Most Noble George Augustus Frederick
John, Duke of Athole, K.T., Grand Master.
At the Quarterly Communication on 1st February 1858, the follow-
ing loyal Address of Congratulation to the Queen on the auspicious
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316 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
occasion of the marriage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal to
His Royal Highness the Prince Frederick-William-Nicholas-Gharles of
Prussia was nnanimoasly adopted, and ordered to he transmitted for
presentation to Her Majesty, who was pleased to receive the same in
the most gracious manner ;— -
" To THE Queek's Most Excellent Majesty.
" Most Gracious Soyereion,
''We, the Most Worshipful and Most Nohle Qeorge, Duke of A thole,
Knight of the Most Ancient Order of the Thistle, and Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, the Right Worshipful Jobti Whyte Melville, Depute
Grand Master, the Right Honourahle Lord Loughborough, Substitute
Grand Master, and the other Office-bearers and Members of the Grand
Lodge, on the part of ourselves and of the Ancient Fraternity of Free
and Accepted Masons of Scotland, beg to approach your Royal Presence,
and, though excluded by the nature of our Order from the political
world, we beg to assure your Majesty that we would feel ourselves
unworthy of all the honours which Royalty has bestowed upon our
Craft, did we not most dutifully and cordially join in the general voice
of joy and congratulation upon the present happy and auspicious occa-
sion, when the illustrious and beloved Daughter of your Majesty and
the Prince Consort has, through parental kindness, been united to the
Husband of her choice, — an event which, we trust and hope, will be the
means of augmenting the happiness of your Majesty and your Royal
Consort, and all connected with your Koyal House.
" We would therefore humbly pray that the Almighty Giver of all
that is good upon earth may look graciously down upon a union so con-
sonant with the dearest wishes of a grateful Nation, and long preserve
your Majesty, your Royal Consort, and your Family, in health and
strength, in whose welfare and prosperity our honourable Order takes so
true and so affectionate an interest.
" Given at Free Masons* Hall, in the City of Edinburgh, in full
Grand Lodge assembled, this 1st day of February 1858, and
of Light 5858.
(Signed) " Athole. Gd, Master Mason,
" J. Whyte Melville, Bep, Gd. Master.
" Loughborough, Sub. Gd, Master.*^
At the same ULeeting the following Address to the Prince and Prin-
cess was ordered to be transmitted to Brother Carl Von Dahlen, repre-
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 317
Bentative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland at the Grand Lodge of
Prnssia^ for presentation to their Royal Highnesses :^-
*^ To THEIR Royal Highnesses the Prince Frederick- William-
Nicholas-Charles of Prussia, and Her Royal Highness
Victoria-Adelaide-Mary-Louisa, Princess- Royal op
Great Britain and Ireland, and Princess of Prussia,
'* We, the Most Worshipful and Most Noble George, Duke of Athole,
Knight of the Most Ancient Order of the Thistle, and Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, the Right Worshipful John Whyte Melville, Depute
Grand Master, the Right Honourable Lord Loughborough, Substitute
Grand Master, for ourselves and the other Office-bearers and Members
of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and on the part of the whole Frater-
nity of Scottish Free Masons, beg leave to offer to your Royal High-
nesses our sincere and hearty congratulations od your auspicious union,
which, we trust, under Divine Providence, will equally tend to promote
your own personal happiness as well as to preserve those feelings of
friendship which have so long existed between this Nation and the
kingdom of Prussia.
'' It is with no ordinary feelings of fraternal regard that we are
enabled to recognise your Royal Highness as a Member of our most
Ancient Order, and occupying a high place in a Grand Lodge with
which we are on terms of cordial and fraternal friendship, and which
this union, we trust, will be the means of drawing closer in those cords
of amity, goodwill, and attachment, which should always exist between
us as Brethren and Free Masons.
'' That the Great Architect of the Universe may take your Royal
Highnesses under His especial care and keeping, and that you may long
experience every domestic blessing and comfort, and long live in mutual
felicity, and in the hearts of the Prussian, as well as the British peoples,
is and will be the sincere and constant prayers of the Scottish Craft
" Given at Free Masons' Hall, in the City of Edinburgh, in full
Grand Lodge assembled, this 1st day of February 1858, and
of Light 5858.
(Signed) " Athole, Gd, Master Mason.
" J. Whyte Melville, Dep. Gd. Master.
" Loughborough, Sub. Gd. Master.'*
The foregoing, accompanied by a present to His Royal Highness of a
quarto Copy of the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge, magni-
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318 TUB HISTORY OF FREE MA80NRT.
ficently bound in green velvety and richly ornamented^ were presented at
the Palace at Berlin by Brother Von Herng, Kepresentatire of the
Grand Lodge of England, in the unavoidable absence of Brother Carl
Von Dahlen, the Representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and
were most graciously received by their Royal Highnesses, — His Royal
Highness expressing himself highly pleased both with the beauty, and
skill displayed in the workmanship, of the volume.
The want hitherto of a suitable Hall for the Grand Lodge having long
been a subject of very general regret, not only by the Brethren in Edin-
burgh but by those from a distance during their occasional visits to the
Metropolis^ the Grand Lodge, at the Quarterly Communication on 4th
May 1857, appointed a Committee* " to consider the propriety and prac-
ticability of purchasing or erecting a Building for Grand Lodge pur-
poses, and the means whereby it may be accomplished."
Accordingly, at a Meeting of the Hall Committee on the 11th May,
various buildings and localities were pointed out by the Members
as those which, in their estimation, were the most likely to meet the
requirements of the Grand Lodge and the views of its Members,
and, after anxious consultation, it was agreed that the site, 98, George
Street, was the only one affording sufficient space on which to build a
Hall of the size contemplated by the Grand Lodge. Brother David
Bryce, the Grand Architect, having examined the premises, reported in
the most favourable terms as to their eligibility; and the title-deeds
having been also examined, it was found that there was no restriction
to the erection of a building for the purposes contemplated.
The Reports by the Hall Committee and Gi*and Architect were laid
before the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication on 3d
August, after the reading of which, it was moved by Brother F. D.
M'Cowan, — " That these Reports be approved of, and that the Com-
mittee be re-appointed and furnished with powers to purchase the build*
ing and site ; to uplift and pay the funds of the Grand Lodge therefor ;
and, with the view of preventing delay, that plans be prepared by the
Grand Architect as soon as possible j which plans should be submitted
^ [The following were the Members of the Hall Committee : — The Most
Worshipful The Grand Master, Chairman; The Convener, VicC'ChairvMin ;
Brothers David Bryce, Grand Ardiitect, Pr. M., No. 166 ; David Bryce, Junior,
R.W.M., No. 97; James Finlayson, R.W.M., No. 151; William Hunter,
R.W.M., No. 8, {Convener); Alexander Sclanders, Pr. M., No. 37; Samuel
Somervillo, M.D., Pr. M., No. 248 ; Robert Ramage, Pr. M., No. 3-*; James C.
Walker, Pr. M., No. 177; The Grand Secretary and The Grand Clerk,
«? q;0iciu. — E.]
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THB HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY. 319
to the said Committee for approval, and exhibited in the Grand Lodge
Chambers for the inspection of the Brethren for six weeks prior to the
meeting of Grand Lodge in November, and then brought np for the
final approval of the Grand Lodge." Which motion was seconded by
Brother Thomas Drjbrough, and unanimously carried.
In pursuance of which Remit the Committee held a meeting on 18th
August^ and having considered the matters remitted to them, appointed
the Grand Clerk, to act as Agent in the purchase of the site, and
authorised him to obtain the same at a sum not exceeding L.5fl00,
with entry thereto at a date not later than 1st April 1858, and for
that purpose to enter into and execute such Minute of Agreement and
Sale as may be necessary, in name of the following Trustees, for the
Grand Lodge, viz : — The Most Worshipful the Duke of Athole, G.M.,
J. Whyte-Melville, Esq., Francis Robert St Clair, Lord Loughborough,
Samuel Hay, Esq., W. A. Laurie, Esq., and A. J. Stewart^ Esq. The
Committee likewise directed that Flans of the proposed Hall, and
alterations on the building, should be prepared by the Grand Architect,
and lodged in terms of the foregoing resolution ; which having been
done, the sanction of the Grand Lodge was given to the same at the
Quarterly Communication on 1st February 1858 ; and on the 26th of
April, the ceremony of breaking ground and commencing the excavations
of a Hall for the Free Masons of Scotland was performed, in the
unavoidable absence of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, by
Brother J. Whyte-Melville, the Right Worshipful the Depute Grand
Master, in presence of a number of the Grand Officers and Brethren.
At the Quarterly Communication on the 3d May, the Ceremony of
laying the Foundation-stone of the structure was fixed for the 24tii of
June, Summer St John's Day, which was looked forward to with great
interest, and took place with extraordinary splendour and success.
From an early hour the principal streets were crowdech with the
arrivals from the country, and with the multitudes who turned out in
anticipation of the spectacle. Excursion trains were run from Glasgow^
Ayr, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Kelso, Dumfries, and other places j and
in nearly all cases where no special accommodation was provided, the
Provincial Brethren were supplied with return tickets at reduced fares.
The special and ordinary trains brought into town on the evening pre-
vious, or early in the forenoon of the 24th, probably 4,000 or 5,000 per-
sons, the great proportion of whom were Members of the Craft, the day
being observed in many of the towns throughout the country as a
holiday.
The place of meeting appointed for the Grand Lodge was the ancient
Picture Gallery of Holjrrood Palace, which, by the gracious permission
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320 THR HISTORY OF FRBB UA90NRT.
of Her Majesty the Queen, had been placed unreservedlj at the dis-
posal of the Grand Lodge, the decorations of which were both interesting
and tasteful, the most prominent being a full-length portrait of *' William
St Clair of Rosslyn," the last Hereditary Grand Master, and another
of "Williame Schaw, Maister of Wark" to His Majesty King James
the Sixth of Scotland. The adjoining apartments of the Duke of Hamil-
ton, Past Grand Master, were also, in the most handsome manner, given
by His Grace for the accommodation of the Grand Officers; while
the Daughter Lodges assembled in the Palace- Yard.
A Grand Procession having been formed in the reception-rooms, it
proceeded to the Picture Gallery, where the Grand Lodge was opened
at twelve o*clock by His Grace the Duke of A thole, K.T., the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master. The appearance of the vast Masonic
assembly at this time was extremely imposing, there being nearly
700 Brethren, in full costume, « assisting at the opening, and rarely
has that noble chamber witnessed so brilliant an assemblage. In
addition to the Grand Office-bearers, viz: — J. Whyte- Melville of
Bennochy and Strathkinness, Depute Grand Master; the Right Hon.
Lord Loughborough, Substitute Grand Master ; Henry Inglis, Senior
Grand Warden ; Major-General T. R. Swinburne, Junior Grand War-
den ; Samuel Hay, Grand Treasurer ; William Alexander Laurie, Grand
Secretary ; Alexander James Stewart, Grand Clerk ; Rev. David
Amot, D.D., Grand Chaplain ; P. D. M'Cowan, M.D., Senior Grand
Deacon ; Thomas Drybrough, Junior Grand Deacon ; David Bryce,
Grand Architect ; Charles Mackay, Grand Jeweller ; John Deuchar,
V. W. Grand Bible-Bearer ; Captain P. Denchar, Grand Director of
Ceremonies ; Lieutenant-Colonel James Hunter, Grand Sword-Bearer,
&e., — the Masters, Wardens, and Representatives of Lodges holding
of the Grand Lodge, and a number of stranger Brethren of distinction
were present, amongst whom were the deputations from the Cumber-
land, Durham, Lancashire, and Northumberland and Berwick Lodges.
Several Brethren connected with the Grand Orients of France and the
Netherlands were also present, but without officially representing the
Lodges to which they belonged.
After the usual preliminary ceremonial of opening the Grand Lodge,
the Depntations from the Sister Grand Lodges of England and Ireland
were severally introduced by the Grand Director of Ceremonies, pre-
ceded by the Grand Wardens and the Grand Stewards, and received
with full Masonic Honours ; their Commissions having been previously
read and approved. The deputation from the Grand Lodge of England
consisted of the Right Honourable Lord Panmure, K.T., the Depute
Grand Master ; the Honourable Frederick Dundas, M.P., Senior Grand
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THB HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY.
321
Warden ; Wjndham S. Portal, Junior Grand Warden ; and Richard W.
Jennings^ Grand Director of Ceremonies. The deputation from the
Grand Lodge of Ireland consisted of John Fitzhenry Townsend, Q.C.,
LL.D., Depute Grand Master,^ Thomas James Quinton, the Grand
Treasurer, and John Elliot Hyndman, the Grand Secretary.
Meanwhile the marshalling of the subordinate Lodges was going on in
the Palace- Yard, under the Chief Marshal and his Deputies, — and the
Grand Lodge having been adjourned, about half-past one o'clock the
procession began to file off in the following order, preceded by the Band
of the leth Lancers : —
370 Renfrew County Kilwinning. 233 Hamilton.
362 St Clair, Glasgow.
360 Commercial, Glasgow.
349 St Clair, Edinburgh.
348 Elgin, Montreal.
339 St Mary Cal. Op., Invemess.
335 Argyle, Dunoon.
333 St George, Port-Dundas and
Cowcaddens, Glasgow.
320 St John, R. A., Saltcoats.
317 Camperdown, Dundee.
313 St Baldred, North Berwick.
309 Lower, Forfar.
305 St John, Woodhall.
299 Panmure, Arbroath.
292 St John, Rothesay.
291 Celtic, Edinburgh.
290 Blair, Dairy.
280 St John, Coldstream.
275 Shamrock & Thistle, Glasgow.
272 St John, Mid-Calder.
270 Thistle, West Calder.
261 Tweed, Kelso.
258 Quhytewoolen, Lockerbie.
254 Caledonian, Dundee.
252 St John, Thomhill.
250 Union, Dunfermline.
248 Lockhart St John, Camwath.
242 Houston, St Johnstone.
238 Caledonian, Annan.
234 St Peter, Monsewald.
226 St John, Portobello.
219 Star, Glasgow.
216 Stow.
204 St Paul, Ayr and Renfrew
Militia.
203 St John Operative, Airdrie.
199 St Andrew, Cumbernauld,
192 St John, Muthill.
190 St George, Aberdeen.
187 St John, Carluke.
185 St Adrian, Pittenweem.
182 Incorporated Kilwg., Montrose.
181 Hopetonn, Bathgate.
177 St James, Old Monkland.
175 St John, Greenock,
167 Free Operatives, Biggar.
166 St John, Airdrie.
160 Roman Eagle, Edinburgh.
158 Thistle, Operative, Dundee.
157 St John, Beith.
156 St Barchan, Kilbarchan.
152 Operative, Dunkeld.
151 Defensive Band, Edinburgh.
149 St Andrew, Irvine.
148 Trinity, Elgin.
147 Cadder, Argyle,
145 St Stephen, Edinburgh,
136 St Laurence, Laurencekirk.
132 St Lnke, Lauder.
128 St John, Shettleston, Glasgow.
^ [Appointed, but unavoidably prevented from being present. — E.]
21
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322
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
126 St Andrew, Kilmarnock.
124 Ayr Kilwinning.
122 Royal Arch, Perth.
120 St Peter, Montrose.
117 St Mary, Partick, Glasgow.
116 Royal Arch, Rntherglen.
114 Royal Arch, Gambuslang.
113 Mount Stewart, Kilwinning,
Greenock.
112 St John, Fisherrow.
106 Lindores, Newbargh.
105 St John Op., Cupar-Angus.
103 Union & Crown, Glasgow.
102 St Mark, Glasgow.
101 St Vigean, Arbroath.
97 St James Operative, Edinburgh.
91 Elgin, Leven.
89 Morton, Lerwick.
88 Montrose, New Monkland.
87 Thistle, Glasgow.
86 Navigation, Troon.
85 Kirknewton & Ratho.
82 St Duthus, Tain.
79 St Andrew, Annan.
78 St David, Dundee.
77 St Regulus, Cupar-Fife.
75 Dunbar Castle.
74 St Andrew, Perth.
73 Thistle <b Rose^ Glasgow.
72 Kirkcaldy.
70 St Abb, Eyemouth.
69 St John, Alloa.
68 Doric Kilwinning, Glasgow.
62 Thistle, Dumfries.
60 St John, Inverkeithing.
57 St John Kilwing., Haddington.
51 Loudon Newmilns Kilwinning.
50 St John, Inverary.
49 Ancient, Dundee.
47 Operative, Dundee.
46 St John, Auchterarder.
44 St Luke, Edinburgh.
41 St Cuthbert, Kirkcudbright.
40 St Thomas, Arbroath.
38 St Michael, Crieff.
36 St David, Edinburgh.
35 St John, Falkland.
30 Ancient, Stirling.
28 St John, Kirkintilloch, Kil-
winning.
27 St Mungo, Glasgow.
24 Peebles Kilwinning.
23 Dunse.
22 St John, Kilmarnock, Kilwng.
21 Old St John, Lanark.
20 St John, Lesmahagow.
19 St John, Cupar-Fife.
17 Ancient Brazen, Linlithgow.
15 Montrose Kilwinning.
14 St John, Dunkeld.
13 Torphichen Kilwng, Bathgate.
12 Greenock Kilwinning.
10 Dalkeith Kilwinning.
9 Dunblane.
8 Journeymen, Edinburgh.
7 Hamilton Kilwinning.
5 Canongate and Leith, L. & C.
4 Glasgow Kilwinning.
3-* The Lodge of Glasgow St John.
3 Scoon and Perth .
2 Canongate Kilwinning, Edinr.
1 The Lodge of Edinburgh Mary*8
Chapel.
Mother Lodge of Kilwinning.
Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow.
Deputations from Provincial Grand Lodges in England.
Deputations of Stranger Brethren.
Deputies from Sister Grand Lodges of England and Ireland.
Grand Lodge of Scotland.
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 323
The line of procession was, in the first place, from Holyrood by the
Canongate to the High Church ; and seldom perhaps has that ancient
and picturesque route, associated with the memories and traditions of
many bygone scenes and spectacles, been more densely crowded than it
was on the present occasion. The Palace- Yard, as far as the '' Abbey
Strand," where a barricade was erected, surmounted by an archway
of flags, <kc., was guarded by a battery of Royal Artillery, with their
guns and carriages ranged in field order, commanded by Major Craw-
ford; the route from thence to the Nether Bow was lined by the
Stafibrdshire Militia, under Major Inge, and from the latter point to
the High Church by the 16th Lancers, under Lieutenant -Colonel
Pattle.
On reaching St Giles* Cathedral the van halted and took open order,
the example being followed by the Lodges in the rear, thus allowing the
Grand Lodge, and the others, according to seniority, to pass into the
Church ; the members of the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland
receiving the compliment of precedence. His Grace the Grand Master
and his Office-bearers, with the Deputations, occupied the Boyal Seat,
the Lodges filling the galleries, aisles, iic.
In the High Church the Grand Chaplain, the Very Worshipful the
Rev. David Amot, D.D., delivered the following Discourse from Genesis,
chapter xiii, verse 8 : —
** And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be do strife, I pray thee, between mo
and thee, and between my herdsmen and thy herdsmen ; for we be
Brethren."
" Our time forbids me to enter upon any historical details connected
with this subject ; and I therefore at once remark, that the great duty
inculcated by the words now read is Brotherly Love ; and that I have
selected this theme because no other could be so appropriate on an
occasion like the present, when I have the honour to address a Society
whose basis is the immutable principle oi justice, and whose corner-
stone is charity,
" The argument for Brotherly Love, suggested by the text, is con-
tained in the words ' for we be Brethren.'
^' There is something peculiar in the term Brethren in this passage ;
for, in strictness of langnage, Abram and Lot were not so neariy related
by the ties of consanguinity as to be styled ' Brethren ' in the common
acceptation of the word. Nor, as is the opinion of some, is the pecu-
liarity explained, and the difficulty to common readers got over, by a
reference to the well-known fact that among the Jews kinsmen of
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324 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
▼ariouB near degrees were designated by this term ; and that in the
present instance, therefore, it was quite appropriate, as Lot was Abram's
nepliew, and also, as has been conjectured, the brother of Sarah, his
wife. Some suppose that, on their departure from Ur of the Chaldees,
certain signs and tokens were agreed upon by which they could all
recognise each other as a peculiar people, a chosen society, bound to
one another by special ties of Brotherhood ; ties acknowledged to be
binding not only by the chiefs, but by the whole fraternity of their
dependents. Without venturing to offer any opinion on the probability
of this conjecture, we may remark that nothing is more natural than
that bodies of men should associate together, when urged by parti-
cular circumstances to do so ; e, g.y in order to defend themselves from
the inroads of hostile powers, or the introduction of erroneous senti-
ments ; and that such Associations were of very early origin is made
apparent from the records of history. Neither will we enter upon
any defence of the practice of employing secret words and signs for
the accomplishment of such a purpose; although it might justly be
urged that in times of prevalent degeneracy, when error runs to and
fro, and is greedily adopted by men who may almost be said to desire to
be infatuated, true knowledge, especially knowledge of a moral nature,
is apt to be dissipated and irrecoverably lost when left in the bands of
the irresponsible multitude, instead of being entrusted to the guardian-
ship of the well-instructed few, and by them communicated to others
who, out of a true and honest heart, come to them as willing disciples,
and thus testify their worthiness of participating in the benefits which
such associations are avowedly framed to bestow.
" It is at least perfectly clear that Abram, and his band of trusty
adherents, including Lot and his retainers, were united by bonds of the
most endearing character. They had forsaken their native land, and
all their kindred and relations, at the same time ; at the same time they
had submitted to have all their early associations, prejudices, and
attachments broken up; they had been companions in the course of all
their wanderings, vicissitudes, enjoyments, and sufferings ; they had
been exposed to the same temptations and the same dangers from those
heathen tribes among whom it was their lot to sojourn ; and they had
all been instructed by their venerable leader in those doctrines, which,
we may conclude, he received from the Almighty, when first he was
commanded to depart from the land of his nativity.
'* Thus they were all dottbly ' Brethren,* and under obligation not
only to unite in order to defend themselves from a common invasion,
but to promote, as far as lay in their power, the welfare and comfort of
each other in their days of prosperity and repose ; and hence we see
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 325
the propriety and the force of the argument for the good understanding
and social harmonj expressed in the words ' We be Brethren.'
" Brethren of the ancient and honourable institution of Masonry ! per-
mit an unworthy Brother to remind you, that if there exists a human
Association on earth more distinguished than another for the principle
and the practice of Brotherly love, it is yours. In the earliest ages,
when mankind were sunk in gross darkness, the light of your mystic
Brotherly Covenant shone, inviting with its benign rays the ignorant
to approach, that they might be instructed, and the vicious, that they
might be reclaimed from their enmity and strife. In every age, and
down to the present day, the same benevolent spirit has been the badge
of honour to every true Member of the Fraternity. Princes, Nobles,
Senators, Philosophers, the good and the wise, of all ranks and classes
of men, forgetting their nobility and their splendour, have sought the
honour of Membership in a Society where all are considered as Brethren,
and where only worth and benevolence confer a title to respect. Nor
do you boast merely of a society long famous for the principles on which
it is founded : The annals of Masonry are bright with a galaxy of deeds
—deeds of the purest and loftiest pliilanthropy. We could tell you of
captives delivered, and exiles restored, the oppressed succoured and the
poor relieved, by the Brotherly love of Masonry. And we would
remind you that its spirit is unchanged ; that its fundamental principles
have descended uncorrnpted from the earliest ages of the world, and
that they are sacreil and perennial. The great objects of Masonry are
to spread the light of science and of useful knowledge ; to kindle and dif-
fuse the glow of sympathy and love, and to promote the interests of
sound morality and pure religion. That every Member of the Craft
practically acknowledges these principles in his conduct we would not
assert, for it is not the fact ; but he must be an ignorant and unworthy
Brother indeed, who does not know that such are the tenets of the
Society to which he belongs ; and if he acts in opposition to them, then
with all his profession, he is no Mason, — * the voice may be Jacob's voice,
but the hands are the hands of Esau.'
" Daily observation and experience teach us that the great mass of
society is very slightly influenced by the spirit of Brotherly Love. We
have only to use our eyes, or our ears, to be painfully satisfied that
strife, confusion, and every evil work prevail to a most lamentable
extent, both among those who are Brethren in the church, and in the
world at large. Selfishness and party-spirit, the very antipodes of the
Masonic spirit, and the great antagonist principles of Christianity, have
usurped the throne and sceptre of disinterested kindness and universal
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326 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
beneYolence, and under their baneful sway encouragement is given to self-
seeking, indifference to the wants and sufferings of those around us, to
the animosity and bitterness of partizanship, censoriousness, malice, and
evil speaking. These vices are, no doubt, to some extent the charac-
teristics of all stages of society ; but we perhaps live in that stage when
they most naturally spring up, and most vigorously flourish. Competi-
tion, which has now become universal in every profession, cannot be
sustained without contention ; in the race of human life we cannot well
avoid jostling and impeding those whose movements may seem to cross,
or prove slower than our own ; and in the acquisition of a fortune great
temptations will occur to the expert and the powerful to keep down or
to defraud such as are less skilful, or who possess not the means of
resistance and protection.
" And though observation were blind, we have too high authority for
believing in the innate corruption of our nature to permit us for a
moment to question the fact that the selfish dispositions of the heart will
often prevail over our better principles, and betray us into a violation of
our social obligations. Of such violations no true and accepted Mason
can deliberately be guilty, for all his actions are regulated not only by
rectitude and uprightness, but moulded into the symmetry and perfeo*
tion of all-harmonising love. And if at any time a brother is detected
so £ur forgetting himself as to be guilty of a breach of the relative duties,
it is not to be imputed to his principles, for they decidedly condemn
him, but to his ignorance of those principles, and the absence of that
spirit which they implant and foster. I would therefore, at this time,
address you. Brethren of the various Lodges here assembled, in the spirit
of a Brother, and would most earnestly counsel you to live consistently
with your principles, by a rigid observance of all the duties of justice,
generosity, candour, charity, benevolence, and piety. We would espe-
cially counsel such of you as have been raised to the sublimer degrees,
and who are naturally supposed to have imbibed a larger portion of the
spirit of the Craft, and whose influence over the less exalted Brethren
must be powerful and extensive, that ye let your light so shine before
them that they may be led to admire and to imitate the virtues and the
graces by which you are adorned. It may be that some of the junior
Brethren are acquainted with Masonry only from the conviviality and
the mirth which they witness, and in which they share. Be it your
duty to instruct them, both by precept and by example. The herdmen
of Abram and the herdmen of Lot would have been encouraged in their
animosities had they witnessed contention between their masters. And
so it will happen with you, if a loftier spirit and a purer practice be not
exhibited by those among you who bear rule in your several Lodges.
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THE HISTORY OF PRBE MASONRY. 327
Snch of yoQ as have more light than the rest should walk worthy of the
light. YoQ are like a city set on a hill ; you are seen by all and
watched by all.
" Brotherly Love^ then, may be exercised in two ways, directly and
indirectly ; directly, by uniting with heart and hand, with your coun-
tenance and your purse, in the promotion of charitable purposes ; — and,
indirectly, by refraining from those practices which are at variance with
the great law of Ioyo.
** For the first of these, Masonic Brethren have ever been distinguished.
In the records of many Charitable Institutions the memory of their
liberal contributions is embalmed, and the reward which they did not
seek has been found in beholding the protection, comfort, and usefulness
of multitudes, who, but for the Institution that sheltered and reared
them, might have perished from penury, or roamed about, the pest and
the disgrace of civilized society.
" Yon will easily perceive why we have called this the direct way of
manifesting your love as Brethren ; for it is the natural consequence of
your avowed principles ; it is the effect following its cause ; the stream
flowing from its fountain. This was the argument used by Abram in the
text, and it is the argument we would, in the first instance, use with
you, and with all whom we would persuade to do the works of charity
and kindness. But there is also an indirect way of complying with the
precept * Let there be no strife;' and this we find pointed out, as it were
in a casual way, at the end of the seventh verse, where we read, in im-
mediate connexion, you will notice, with the mention of strife, that * the
Canaanite and the Perizsite dwelt then in the land.' This seems to us
a most important parenthesis. It means. Why should we, who are
Brethren, — who enjoy such exalted privileges, and who profess to be
united by ties so peculiar and so tender, and to be a people altogether
separate from the surrounding nations, — why should we indulge in quar-
rels in the vety presence of our enemies, who will therefrom take occa-
sion to mock, and to say, ' What do they more than others who have no
such high pretensions ) '
" Now, it must be very plain to all of us, that while we may main-
tain the Masonic character in the highest reputation by deeds of actual
charity, we may bring dishonour upon it by our violation of other laws,
and our neglect of other duties, which it is equally incumbent upon us
to observe ; and thus we may prove ourselves deficient in that Brotherly
Love by which our Order should be distinguished. Whatever is a breach
of the duties of justice, benevolence, and piety, is inconsistent with our
profession, and injurious to the Brethren and to the world. You will,
therefore, permit me to state, — nay, I must iu conscience state, — that in
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328 THB HISTORY OF P&EB MABON&Y.
some parts of the coantry a large measure of ridicule and scorn has been
heaped upon Masonry, both by the totally ignorant and the partially
initiated, from the too- notorious fact, that while it has not by any means
ceased to give forth brilliant exhibitions of its brotherly and charitable
spirit, it has yet been signalised, in an equal degree, by the intemper-
ance and disorder of its convivial meetings. For such blots Masonry is
not answerable in any degree ; for, as it permits rational and friendly
festivity, as in nowise inconsistent with the spirit of pure and undefiled
religion ; so, it as strictly forbids every approach to excess, and every
symptom of disorder. Nevertheless, it is a fact, which need not, and
which must not, be concealed, that by many of the ill-instructed
Brethren, the secret signs of the Fraternity are regarded in no other
light than a passport to licensed revelry ; and they do not think the
night properly spent unless they have indulged to the full in interdicted
debauchery j — than which nothing can be more inconsistent with their
profession. Excess of every kind is robbery : It robs either a man*8
family, or the man's self, of necessary enjoyments, and the poor of what
is due from a richer brother j or it robs society of the benefit of a good
example, which, though too much overlooked, is indeed a crime of a
very dark and malignant nature. He whose character is the opposite
of temperate, industrious, frugal, pure, and pious, just does all that lies
in his power to render those around him intemperate, idle, prodigal,
impure, and irreligious, inasmuch as example is a more effectual teacher
than precept.
" Nor is it of any avail to say that the man who is given to excess is
also given to charity j for whereas he will get perchance only five to
imitate him in his beneficence, he will get fifty to imitate him in his
excess ; and thus he will pull down with his strong right hand what he
has built up with his feeble left hand. Charity is a word of large
signification. It does not mean money ; it does not mean the expres-
sion of tender sympathy with one in distress ; it does not mean love for
a few select friends. It means love for all mankind ; love expressed in
every possible way, — by precept, by example, by friendly advice and
substantial relief, directly and indirectly, in private and in public.
" What effect, then, do you think such inconsistent conduct as has
been mentioned will have upon the junior, imperfectly instructed Brethren
of your Lodges, if by them it is witnessed in their superiors in oflSce f
Will it not tend to cool their desire for more thorough initiation into
the choice arcana of the mystic science, and to diminish their reverence
for the Institution itself, and to look upon their solemn vows as no
better than a ridiculous farce, with hardly enough of formality about
them to protect them from a worse appellation ? I trust, Brethren, you
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THE HIBTOBT OF FRBB MASONRY. 329
will pardoD this freedom of speech ; seeing I speak not so mnch from
observation as from hearsay; and seeing it is love of the Graft, and
zeal for their honour and happiness, which impel me thns to address
yon ; and seeing also that I hope better things of you.
" But, again, what effect do you think such conduct will have upon
the world — upon those who are without your light ? The ' Canaanite
and the Perizzite are in the land ;' your enemies watch for your halting;
they will maliciously rejoice in your misconduct, and in any strife that
may arise among Brethren. We would earnestly exhort you to' refute
the calumny, if it be one, by your stricter and more circumspect
behaviour in time to come ; and if it be indeed too true, go back to the
real principles of your Order, build upon the old foundation, and con-
struct a fabric of virtue and piety which the world shall see only to
admire. Do justice to Masonry, and it will in a short time vindicate
itself from all the charges and aspersions which have been cast upon it
by its enemies. By your conduct demonstrate that it is founded on
pure benevolence, that it gives encouragement to no manner of license,
or of laxity of morals, and that it may be made an instrument of
unspeakable worth in promoting the best interests of the human race.
** And in order that your charity may flow from a sacred and endur-
ing source, let the love of God in Christ Jesus dwell in yon richly. Be
it your constant desire that a sense of your obligations to Him may
reside within you. Listen to the language of St Paul — ' For we are
labourers together with God : ye are God's husbandry ; ye are God's
building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a
wise master-builder I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth
thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For
other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
.... Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of
God dwelleth in you 1 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall
God destroy : for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.' —
1st Cor. iii, 9. Listen also to St Peter — * Wherefore, laying aside all
malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speakings,
as new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may
grow thereby : if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To
whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but
chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accept-
able to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scrip-
ture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief comer-stone, elect, precious : and he
that belie veth on Him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore
which believe, he is precious : but unto them which be disobedient, the
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330 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the
corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them
which stumble at the word, being disobedient, wherennto also they
were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, a peculiar people ; that ye should shew forth the praises of
Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.' —
Ist Peter, ii, 1/'
In the Church of West St Giles Diyine Service was conducted by the
Rer. Andrew R. Bonar, Minister of the first charge of Canongate, acting
Chaplain of the Lodge Canongate Kilwinning, and who, on rery short
notice, undertook the duty of addressing those Brethren who could not
be accommodated in the High Church.
After verses 6th and 7th of Psalm cxxii had been sung by the
assemblage. Prayer was offered up as follows : —
" 0 Lord, Architect of the Universe, we thank Thee for all the past
mercies which we have enjoyed. To Thee we lift up our cry, in Whom
we live, move, and have our being : Thou art the former of our bodies and
the father of our spirits. Who compassest our path, and lying down, and
art acquainted with all our ways ; Who bast spread out the heavens
as a tent to dwell in, Who takest up the isles as a very little thing ;
Who hast also given to man faculties and powers whereby he is enabled
to promote Thy glory, and likewise, through Thy grace, to contribute to
the comfort of those who are about him.
'' We entreat Thy blessing, 0 Lord, upon our assemblage, and on the
occasion of our present meeting. Enrich us all with the possession of the
treasures of Thy grace. Help us to live together as brethren in unity.
May no jarring or discord ever enter amongst us, and may we seek to
be brethren in Christ, and interested in the provisions of that Covenant
which is well-ordered in all things and sure.
" Bless all now before Thee in their temporal and spiritual interests ;
especially may our souls prosper, and be in health. May we keep the
unity of the Spirit, in the bond of ])eace and in righteousness of life.
" May the edifice which is this day to be founded be carried forward
prosperously to a completion. Do Thou protect the workmen, securing
them from all injury ; and, when completed, may it be made con-
ducive to the strengthening of a spirit of fraternity and love among
Brethren.
" We dedicate it, 0 Lord, to Tbec ! And we beseech of Thee, for
Christ's sake, to hear our prayers now humbly offered, and to answer
the voice of our supplications. Amen."
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TUE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 331
ADDRESS.
" We are met upon a very interesiiog occasion. From all parts
nearly of this portion of the empire Brethren have assembled : On no
previoas occasion has such a gathering been seen ; bat, from the short
notice giren me, and for another reason also, my remarks shall be few,
and condensed in regard to expression. Indeed, the protracted nature,
necessarily, of what has already taken place, and the importance of the
ceremonial yet to come, would, render it inexpedient for me to trespass
unduly on your patience.
" Allow me then to say, that there is mnch reason for congratulation
in connection with our present meeting. It has excited a rery large
amount of interest. Forgetting political and sectarian sources of estrange-
ment, we are met as Brethren in unity. Acknowledging, as we do.
Brotherhood in Christ, the highest and unfailing bond, — ^yet we believe
this Institution and Fraternity to be wholly reconcileable with the pre-
cepts of the Gospel, and in entire accordance with the mind and spirit of
Him who said, — ' a new commandment I giro, that ye have love one to
another.' ' Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ*
'' We have met as Brethren. Let us not forget what that relationship
implies. Let all wrath, malice, and uncharitableness, be for ever put
away. It was meet that we should assemble, and beneath this sanctu-
ary-roof, invoke God's blessing on our proceedings this day. We feel
that it is a sacred cause, and are conscious that we are anew reminded of
the strain which shepherds heard in Bethlehem, < Glory to God in tho
highest, peace on earth, good-will to men.'
" From the highest heavens our Saviour came, that He might atone for
His people's sins, and reconcile mankind to His Father. Were His
spirit but imbibed, and His example followed, how very different would
be the aspect of our world ! Oppression, war, slavery, alike would cease,
and * the kingdoms of this world ' would become the kingdom of our God
and of Christ.
" Blessed Name 1 How often have the weary and sorrowing found in
Thee a refuge. Healing for the diseased, comfort for the mourner,
strength for the weak, aid to the tempted, — such support He is able and
willing to bestow, and none have oyer called on Him in vain.
" Looking, as we do, upon the erection of edifices upon earth, let us all
remember also that there is ' a house not made with hands,' eternal in
the heavens. Strife and discord there may be, sometimes, attendant
on the erections of human industry and skill : But there was once a
temple erected, the materials of which were previously collected and
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332 THE UISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
prepared. No sound was heard, as the stately £Eibric grew. So^ Brethreu,
however strongly we recognise the ties of Brotherhood on earth, yet let
us live in expectation of that brighter and better world ; living as candi-
dates for it : Knowing that far away there shall hereafter expand a more
magnificent erection, founded upon the everlasting hills, — where no
storm shall ever rage, — where no tear-drop shall ever fall, — where no
grave ever shall be opened, — all whose inhabitants shall be ' holy to the
Lord.'
*' Meanwhile, let us strive to keep our garments ' unspotted by the
flesh ;' and let the ready hand be extended to aid our Brethren. We
profess kindredship with Christ ; let it be our desire to justify that
claim ; and may the whole of this day's procedure be sanctifie<l and
blessed, for Christ Jesus' sake. Amen."
At the conclusion of the services, the Procession was re-formed in the
same order as that in which it left Palace- Yard, and proceeded down
Bank Street and the Mound, alongst Princes Street, Charlotte Street
and Square, to George Street, where the Lodges took open order as
before, to allow the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, attended by the
Grand Office-Bearers, and followed by the Lodges in their seniority,
to pass to the Site of the Foundation-stone. The building, which occu-
pies the front portion of the site of the future Grand Lodge, had by this
time undergone a metamorphosis fitting it to bear a part in the august
ceremony about to take place. Masonic banners were displayed from
all the upper windows ; a line of flags stretched across the whole
breadth of the street ; while the entrance and lower window spaces
were decorated with evergreen arches and wreaths of flowers. The
walls of the corridors were covered with cloth, plaited in red, white, and
blue folds, and the ceiling was emblazoned with scrolls and allegorical
figures ; while over the three inner doorways leading into the great Hall
were worked in flowers, on a ground of evergreens, the words " Grand
Lodge of Scotland — June 24, 1858." The Foundation-stone was sus-
pended by a crane at the north-east corner of the Hall ; along the west
side ran a balcony for the Masters and Office-Bearers of Provincial
Lodges ; and at the south end was another, on which the Band of the
16th Lancers was placed. The Office-bearers of the Grand Lodge, and
Deputations from the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, occupied a
platform on the east, surrounded by the Members of the Grand Lodge,
and as many other Brethren as could find standing room. At half-past
four, his Grace the Grand Master took his place upon the platform, sup-
ported on the right and left by the Depute and Substitute Grand Masters,
and accompanied by the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, the Grand
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 333
Chaplain, the Grand Architect, and other Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge. There were also on the platform the Representatives of the
Grand Lodges of England and Ireland ; Sir Archibald Alison, Bart.,
Provincial Grand Master of Glasgow ; Mr Forbes Mackenzie of Port^-
more, Provincial Grand Master of Peebles and Selkirkshires ; General
Belshes of Invermay, Lord James C. P. Murray, &c.
The Band of the Lancers having performed the National and Masonic
Anthems, Prayer was offered np by the Grand Chaplain, in which he
implored a blessing upon the undertaking, and the consecration of the
edifice in the affections of the Brotherhood ; to which the Brethren
responded by an unanimous Amen. After which the Grand Master
called upon the Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Grand Clerk, to
deposit the coins and documents in the cavity of the stone, which being
done, the Grand Architect brought forward the necessary craftsmen,
whereupon his Grace descended from the dais, and laid the Soundation-
stone in the usual manner, the Band meanwhile playing the Old Hun-
dredth Psalm-tune.
On the completion of the ceremony the Masonic Anthem was again
performed, the Brethren marking time with the usual accompaniment ;
at the same moment a salute of fifteen guns from the Castle announced
the completion of the laying of the Foundation-stone of The New Free-
masons' Hall of Scotland. The Queen's Anthem having been per-
formed to mark the conclusion of the Ceremony, three cheers were
given for the prosperity of the undertaking, followed by three cheers
for his Grace the Grand Master ; the Ladies ; Lord Panmure ; and the
English and Irish Deputations.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master resuming his place on the
platform then spoke as follows : —
''Right Honottrable and Honourable, Right Worshipful Senior
AND Junior Grand Wardens and Brethren : —
" On occasions like the present it is usual for the Grand Master to
give a short address ; but here, however, there is not so much to say as
there would have been had we been laying the Foundation-stone of any
other public Institution. I cannot, however, allow this opportunity to
pass, without saying that I am both pleased and gratified in seeing the
Masons of Scotland coming forward so enthusiastically to erect a Grand
Lodge Hall, thereby showing that they too feel with myself the neces-
sity there is for such a Building. I must at the same time take this
opportunity of thanking the Brethren for the very gratifying manner in
which they have turned out to-day.
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334 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
" We are all extremely bappy to see yon^ the Deputies from the Grand
Lodges of England and Ireland, joining with us; I tender yoa^ for
myself and Brethren, our warmest thanks for the hononr you have done
us in laying this most important Foundation-stone ; and I trust that the
stone laid this day will in course of time have such a superstructure
that will do credit to the Masons of Scotland.
'^ I need say nothing more, except that it must be as gratifying to
the Brethren as it is to me to see the very flattering reception we have
met with in Edinburgh to-day."
After giving three cheers for the Lord Provost and Magistrates of the
City, for Lord Panmure, Sir Archibald Alison, and others, the Grand
Lodge and Brethren left the Hall, and, joining the Lodges outside,
proceeded in inverted order by George Street, St Andrew Square
and Street, Waterloo Place, and the Regent Road, to Holyrood Palace,
where they arrived about half-past SLve o'clock, when the Grand Lodge
was closed, and the Brethren dispersed, the whole proceedings of the
dayi being marked by the most signal success.
^ [Not the least interesting of which was the delivery, hy Convener Greorge
Tihhetts, of the celebrated ** Blue Blanket" to Brother Kerr of the Lodge
Journeymen, Edinburgh, in presence of several of the Deacons of the Incorpo-
rated Trades and a large concourse of the citizens. The privilege of displaying
this interesting relic on the present occasion was granted to this Lodge in con-
sequence of its original connection with the Masons of Mary's Chapel, one of
the fourteen Incorporated Trades of the city.
The following particulars gathered by Brother Hunter, the present Master of
the Lodge Journeymen, from the History of this famous relic, written in 1722 by
Alexander Pennecuick, Burgess and Guild Brother, will doubtless be perused
with interest. According to Pennecuick a number of Scotch mechanics followed
Allan, Lord Steward of Scotland, to the holy wars in Palestine, and took with
them a banner, on which were inscribed the following words from the 51 st Psalm,
viz. : — In bona volunUUe tua edifieenter muriJerutalem. Fighting under this banner
these valiant Scotchmen were present at the capture of Jerusalem and other
towns in the Holy Land ; and on their return to their own country they
deposited the banner, which they styled *' The Banner of the Holy Ghost," at
the altar of St Eloi — ^the Patron Saint of the Edinburgh tradesmen — in
the Church of St Giles. It was occasionally unfurled, or worn as a mantle, by
the representative of the Trades in the courtly and religious pageants that in
former times were of frequent occurrence in the Scottish capital ; and, on account
of its blue colour, was generally known by the name of the " Blue Blanket."
In 1482, James III, in consequence of the assistance which he had received from
the craftsmen of Edinburgh in delivering him from the Castle, in which he was
kept a prisoner, and paying a debt of 6,000 merks which he had contracted in
making preparation for the marriage of his son, the Duke of Rothesay, to Cicely*
daughter of Edward IV of England, conferred on the good town several valu-
able privileges, and renewed to the craftsmen their favourite banner of ** The
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THB HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. 335
. The Dumber of the Brethren on this eyentful occasion amounted to
nearly 4,000 ; no fewer than one hundred and thirty-one Lodges haying
responded to the call of the Grand Master, — a much greater number
than had ever hitherto assembled in the history of the Scottish Craft.
His Grace the Qrand Master and the Grand Lodge conveyed to
Major-General Viscount Melvillei K.O.B., commanding the Forces in
Scotland, their especial thanks for the very handsome and liberal man-
ner in which his Lordship had acceded to their request regarding the dis-
position of the military, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonel Dalzell,
Adjutaut-General, and tlie other Commanding Officers, for their excel-
lent arrangement of the troops, which had proved so eminently efficient
in the preservation of order and regularity.
The New Freemasons' Hall, the laying of the Foundation-stone of
which so full and minute an account has been given, is situated on the
Holy Ghost." James's Queeo, Margaret of Denmark, to show her gratitude
and respect to the Crafts, painted on the banner with her own hands a St
Andrew's Cross, a crown, a thistle, and a hammer, with the following inscrip-
tion, viz. : — ^ Fear God and honour the King with a long lyffe and a prosperous
reigne, and we (that is) the Tradds, shall ever pray to be faithfulle for the de>
fence of his sacred Majesty's royal persone till death.'*
The King decreed that in all time coming this flag should be '* the standard
of the Crafts within burgh," and that it should be unfurled in defence of
their own rights and in protection of their Sovereign. The Incorporated Crafts
were therefore ever ready to hoist this banner when any of their privileges
were assailed ; and hence James YI, in bis work entitled ** Basilicon Doron,"
which he addressed to his son Henry, Prince of Wales, says : — ** The Crafts-
men think We should be content with their wark how bad soever it should be,
and if in anything they be controlled, up ^oes the Blue Blanket." The Crafts,
nevertheless, showed no less alertness in biinging it forth to uphold the honour
and independence of their country, and to protect the life and liberty of their
Sovereigns. It is said to have flaunted amidst a thousand streamers of all
shapes^ devices, and hues, on the Boronghmuir, when the Craftsmen rallied to
aocoropany James IV to Flodden. It was displayed to assemble the Incorpo-
rated Trades to protect Queen Mary after her surrender to the Confederated
Nobles at Carberry Hill ; and it went up to rescue James YI himself from a
rabble that assailed him in the Old Tolbooth for refusing to listen to a petition
presented by the Presbyterian Ministers, complaining of his undue leaning iu
favour of the Popish party. The last time it was publicly exhibited was on the
visit of George I Y to Scotland in 1822.
The ** Blue Blanket " was long in a very tattered condition, but a number of
years ago it was repaired by lining one of its sides with blue silk, so that it can
now be exposed without subjecting it to much injury. It was inspected by the
Grand Master, Lord Panmure, and other distinguished Brethren, who ex-
pressed their gratification at seeing a relic so famous in the annals of the city
of Edinburgh. — K]
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336 THE UISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
soath side of Qeorge Street, towards the west end, and extends back-
wards to Rose Street Lane. Externally, the structure will in the mean-
time have a plain but elegant frontage, with shops on either side of a
pillared entrance ; the second and third floors being occupied as the
Library, Lod^'O Rooms, Committee-Rooms, the Grand Secretary and
Grand Clerk's Offices, and housekeeper's apartments. Proceedings, how-
ever, are to be taken as soon as practicable, to replace this exterior by a
much more imposing and ornamental frontage. Internally, the Hall
will represent an Ionic Temple. A corridor and vestibule of nearly 50
feet in length leads to the principal apartment, in the design and orna-
mentation of which a great amount of artistic skill will be expended.
It is to consist of a spacious hall, 75 feet long, 36 feet wide, and 33 feet
in height from floor to ceiling, the latter forming an elliptical arch, sup-
ported by a range of Ionic pilasters, with a rich entablature. Over each
pilaster, on the frieze, are to be Masonic devices, elaborately brought out,
with a scroll ornamental frieze between each — ^the other members of
the cornice being also effectively ornamented. Light will be admit-
ted by three large windows placed at the southern extremity, and also
by numerous panelled compartments in the ceiling, filled with plate-
glass. An orchestra, having an arched *' back," for acoustic pur-
poses, will occupy the north end, leaving a sufficient space for aa
organ. The .arrangements and construction of the cuisine — an indis-
pensable adjunct to such a Hall — ^will comprise every modem appli-
ance and convenience. There are also to be arrangements in connection
with the building itself, and adjoining apartments, which will admirably
fit it for a public concert-room.
The plans were prepared by Brother David Bryce, the Grand Archi-
tect, and are now in process of being carefully wrought out under the
superintendence of Brother David Bryce, Junior.
The Plate, which was deposited along with the coins of the realm,
an Edinburgh Almanack, copies of newspapers of the day, and a Plan
of Edinburgh, in the cavity of the Foundation-stone, bore the following
inscription : —
By the favour of
The Almighty Architect op the Universe,
In the Twenty-second Year of the Reign of
Queen Victoria,
and on the
Twenty-fourth day of June, in the Year of the Christian Era mdccclviii,
^ and of
The Masonic Epoch mmmmm.dccc.lviii.
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Lodge ; the Froyincial and Past Grand Masters ; the Board of Grand dlevards ;
and the Grand, and Building Fund Committees. — ^E.]
22
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The Masonic Epoch mmmmm.dcco.ltiii,
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THB histohy of free masonry. B87
THE FOUNDATION-STONE OF A NEW HALL
For the aocommodation of the Grand Lodge of Representatives of the
Ancient Fraternity
of
THE FREEMASONS' OF SCOTLAND,
Was Laid with great solemnity
by
His Grace George Augustus Frederick John, Sixth Duke of Athole,
Knight of the Most Ancient Order of the Thistle,
Grand Master Mason of Scotland ;
assisted by
The Grand Office-Bearers,
in presence of
Representatives of the R. W. Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, and
of a great assemblage of the varions Lodges and Brethren of
Edinburgh and the Provinces.
David Brtojb, Architect. Robert Hutohisov, Master Builder.^
At the close of the Grand Lodge the Brethren, to the number of
nearly 900, returned to the Music Hall, George Street, to partake of
the Banquet which had been announced to take place shortly after the
conclusion of the ceremony of laying the Foundation-stone. The Hall
was very appropriately fitted up. The gallery opposite the platform
was reserved for ladies, a considerable number of whom graced the
assembly with their presence.
The chair was occupied by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master,
supported on the right by the Right Honourable Lord Panmure, Depute
Grand Master of England ; John Whyte-Melville, of Bennochy, Depute
Grand Master of Scotland; the Hon. Frederick Dunda8,G.L.E.j Wynd-
ham S. Portal, G.L.E. ; Richard W. Jennings, G.L.E. ; Lord James
Charles Plantagenet Murray; William Mercer, Provincial Grand Master,
Hong Kong ; Henry Inglis, Senior Grand Warden ; W. A. Laurie, Grand
Secretary, &c, ; on the left by Thomas J. Quinton, Grand Treasurer,
G.L.L ; John E. Hyndman, Grand Secretary, G.L.I. ; Lord Lough*
borough, Substitute Grand Master ; Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., Pro-
vincial Grand Master of Glasgow Province ; Hon. F. Drnramond ; Cap-
tain Drummond ; Major-General Swinburne, Junior Grand Warden ;
^ [In addition to the above there were also inscribed the names of the
Grand Officers; the Honorary and Representative Members of the Grand
Lodge ; the Provincial and Past Grand Masters ; the Board of Grand Stewards ;
and the Grand, and Building Fund Committees. — E.]
22
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338 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Dr Samuel Somerville, Representative at the Grand Lodge of Scotland
of the Grand Lodge of Ireland ; Alexander James Stewart, Grand
Clerk, &c. The Lodges were placed, as far as practicable, under their
respective Masters and Wardens.
Grace was said by the Rev. Andrew R. Bonar, who also returned
Thanks.
The toasts of "The Queen," "The Prince Steward of Scotland,"
"The Prince Consort and the Royal Family," "The Craft and Free-
Masonry all over the World," " The Navy and Army," were severally
proposed by the Chairman, and cordially received, — to the last of which
Major-General Swinburne replied.
The Chairman then proposed " The Grand Lodge of England and
the Earl of Zetland." He said — " They had all been very much gra-
tified to see the Deputation from the Grand Lodge of England, which
had kindly given them their presence on this occasion, headed by the
Right Hon. Lord Panmure, Depute Grand Master. He felt it to be
the greatest honour that could have been paid to them j and he would
only say that if at any time the services of the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land were required in England, they would most gladly and willingly
repay the compliment."
The Right Honourable Lord Panmure, in reply, said — " Worshipful
Grand Master and Brethren all, it is with the greatest satisfaction that I
rise to perform the duty of returning you my sincere thanks for the
honour which you have just conferred upon the Grand Master and Grand
Lodge of England. Brethren, it will be my pleasing duty, and that of the
Deputation which has accompanied me from England, to report that we
have this day witnessed one of the most successful Masonic gatherings
that ever took place within the British Empire. I know of no occasion
on which upwards of 4,000 Masons have been gathered together in such
successful order, and with such attention to the rules for observing their
places, as I witnessed this day. Nor do I believe, except in this city
itself, that anywhere else such a gathering could have taken place.
We have had the privilege of seeing you lay the Foundation-stone of
a Masonic Hall for ,the Craft in Scotland; and the Deputation and
myself have most earnestly prayed the Great Architect of the Universe
that in the superstructure to be reared above that Foundation-stone
the Masons of Scotland may advance the dignity and the interest of the
Craft for ages to come. Brethren, it has been our lot upon this occa-
sion to witness a very rare conjunction of the planets of Masonry.
We have seen a Masonic garland to-day — the Thistle receiving the
Rose and the Shamrock, and uniting in one harmonious whole. With
His Grace the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, I trust that in
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 339
England, ay, and in Ireland too, similar re-anions may take place, for I
believe that there is nothing which can conduce to the unity of the
Craft throughout the Empire so much as such great meetings as this,
where the separate Grand Lodges are distinctly and individually repre-
sented, and all three meet together upon the same base. Brethren,
permit me to say, before I sit down, that independent of the gratification
which I have received this day as Depute Grand Master of England,
and representative of the Grand Master Mason of England, my heart has
warmed to the sight which I have witnessed in the capital of my coun-
try— a sight that must prove to the world, and to Masons throughout
the world, that the Craft is cherished as warmly, as sincerely, as
zealously in Scotland, as in any other quarter of the globe. Again
thanking you, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren all, for the
honour you have' done the Grand Master Mason of England, I repeat
that it will be a duty incumbent on this Deputation to report, in the
most favourable terms, of the reception they have met with at your
hands, and of the magnificent spectacle of which you have afibrded
them the contemplation."
The Chairman next proposed " The Grand Lodge of Ireland and the
Duke of Leinster," and expressed the gratification with which they bad
received the visit of a Deputation from that country.
Brother Quinton, in reply, said — *' The reception of an invitation to
be present at this great demonstration, had afforded the Grand Lodge of
Ireland the greatest pleasure; and for the deputation, he could most truly
say that they had been highly gratified by the spectacle which had been
presented to their view to-day. Indeed so interesting an occasion could
not but be gratifying to every well-wisher of Frep Masonry ; but to see
such an assemblage as they had recently witnessed — ^an assemblage that
in their wildest fancy they could hardly have contemplated — ^required
much more eloquence than he could by possibility command to express
his feelings regarding it ; but this he would say, that he joined most
sincerely with Lord Panmure in imploring the blessing of the Great
Architect of the Universe upon the work they had commenced this day,
trusting that it might be for ages a nucleus round which Free Masonry
in Scotland would continue to rally."
The Right Honourable Lord Panmure then said — " Brethren, by the
permission of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, I again intrude
myself upon you, and do so for the purpose of proposing a toast, which,
although intimately connected with your own interests, I must never-
theless beg you to assist me in doing the greatest honour to. It is to
the health of an individual at present the supreme head of the Craft
in Scotland — to one who has not filled that high situation with merely a
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340 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
name for doing its daties. Erer since the Duke of Athole has been
Grand Master of Scotland, he has made it his earnest endea^oar to
advance the interests of the Craft to the utmost of his ability, and he
has achieved this bj giving his presence, and leading the Craft, on all
occasions where Masonic duties were to be performed in any part of
Scotland. It is, and must be, a subject of pride to your Most Worship-
ful Grand Master to know that such a National structure as the Scott
Monument was inaugurated under his presidency. It must be a source
of pride to him to know that in the West he has laid the foundation of
a bridge which is to afford convenience not only to multitudes of the
citizens of Glasgow, but to the trade of a city third only in the world.
We owe to the Grand Master a deep debt of gratitude for laying the
foundation-stone of a refuge for sickness and misfortune in another
great trading city of Scotland, namely, in Dundee ; and if he had done
nothing else as a Mason in Scotland, he has this day placed the cope-
stone on his triumph as a Master Mason, by laying the Foundatiqu-stone
of the Free Masons* Hall of Scotland. These are but a few of the
works of the Grand Master. I will not detain you, for it would detain
you too long, to go over the whole of them. Suffice it for me to say,
that I think you should be proud of one who has filled your throne so
long with so much credit to himself and so much benefit to the Craft in
Scotland."
The Chairman said — " I do not think that I can find adequate words
to return my sincere thanks to Lord Panmure for the very flattering
manner in which he has proposed my health, and to you. Brethren, for
the very kind way in which you have received it. Brother Lord Pan-
mure has kindly alluded to different occasions upon which, as your
Grand Master, the duty of laying foundation-stones devolved upon me }
I can only say that when the Free Masons of Scotland did me the honour
to elect me their Grand Master, I felt that it was the greatest compli-
ment that they could confer upon any one, and as such, I should
be little repaying them for their kindness towards me were I not to
endeavour to devote the little time that I have to doing my duty to
the best of my ability. At the same time I must say that those duties
have always been to me of the most pleasing character, and never more
so than on the present occasion."
Lord Loughborough proposed " The Foreign Grand Lodges," a toast
to which every Scotchman here would do most ample justice, for he was
quite certain that the heart of Scotch Masons abode not in Scotland
alone, but, like the principles of Masonry itself, embraced the whole
world. " I am aware (he said) that we cannot this evening greet a de-
putation from any Foreign Grand Lodge ; but I know that there are pre*
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 341
sent many representatives of such Lodges who are alike an ornament
to Scotch Masonrj and to the Foreign Lodges which thej represent,
and I beg of such to carry back, when they visit or hold corre-
spondence with their Lodges, the good feeling which they have expe-
rienced on this occasion. I would have them tell the Grand Lodges
in Foreign parts that Scotland has at last a Grand Lodge Hall of
her own, which, magnificently begun, would probably some day equal
that of any in the world. In the garland adverted to by the Right
Honourable the Depute Grand Master of England, I should wish to see
the Lily of France joined with the Rose, the Shamrock, and the Thistle ;
indeed, there is no flower that may not be entwined in the garland of
Masonry, — it being universal, reaching to every country in the globe."
Brother Dr M^Gowan, Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge, and
Representative of the Grand Orient of France, in responding to the
toast, said "that it was just three years since the Grand Lodge of France
inaugurated their new Hall. On that occasion a deputation was present
from Scotland, who were received with the most kindly feelings ; and
he was instructed by the Brethren of that country to wish them the
greatest success in the undertaking which had been commenced and so
gloriously carried through to-day."
The Chairman next proposed " Prosperity to the New Hall. " He
said — '' I feel assured that every Mason in Scotland, as well as in other
parts of the Empire, will respond to the sentiment, ' Prosperity to the
New Hall.* I feel also certain that no building, the foundation-stone
of which has ever been laid, will eventually prove of more advantage to
the Craft than the one which has this day been inaugurated. The in-
convenience arising from the want of an adequate Hall to meet in has
long been felt not only by the Grand Lodge, but by Daughter Lodges
coming to Edinburgh on Masonic business, and I rejoice that this incon-
venience will now be very soon at an end. I must once more thank
the Brethren in Scotland for the very liberal manner in which they have
come forward to enable the Grand Lodge to build a fit and proper Hall
for its meetings, and I trust that we may all be spared to meet ere long
within the walls of the structure, the foundation-stone of which we have
this day laid."
The Chairman then gave ''The Provincial Grand Lodges of England
and the Deputations from them," to which Brother William Berkeley,
Provincial Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Northumberland^
returned thanks, and expressed the interest felt in the Masons of Scot-
land by their Brethren of England, and the great gratification which he
had had at being present at the proceedings of this day. On behalf of
the Deputations from the Provincial Grand Lodges of Cumberland, Dnr-
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342 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
hsLm, Lancashire, and Northumberland and Berwiok-on-Tweed, he
begged to thank the Most Worshipful the Grand Master for the honour
now done them.
At this stage of the proceedings the Grand Master intimated that
as he was obliged to leave town by train, he had requested the
Depute Grand Master, Brother Whyte-Melville to take the chair ;
but before quitting it, he begged to propose the cordial thanks
of the Brethren to the Commander-in-Chief^ and to the commanding
officers of the 16th Lancers, Artillery, and Staffordshire Militia,
for the valuable assistance which they had afforded them. His
Grace then left the Hall, the Brethren rising and cheering him as
he left.
The Depute Grand Master having taken the chair, Brother Ebsworth
sang a Masonic chant, written for the occasion by Mr Alexander
Maclagan, and dedicated, by permission, to the Most Worshipful the
Grand Master and the Brethren ; after which
The Honourable Frederick Dundas, M.P., in proposing ''The Pro-
vincial Giand Lodges of Scotland and their Deputations," coupled with
the name of Brother Sir Archibald Alison, expressed '' the very great
gratification that the Members of the Grand Lodge of England bad ex-
perienced in having had the privilege of taking part in one of the
grandest spectacles ever witnessed. It might have happened that a
stranger Brother should have asked the question whether Masonry pros-
pered in Scotland 1 What he had seen this day and evening had given
a most conclusive answer to that question ; and he sincerely hoped that
the ceremony they had witnessed of lading the first stone of a Grand
Masonic Hall in this city would be the means of extending Masonry and
its benefits to the end of time. He thought they might fairly ask — to
what might they ascribe the prosperity of Masonry in Scotland 1 They
readily found the answer — ^to the zeal and encouragement afforded, and
attention paid by the Provincial Grand Masters in carefully watching
over their provinces."
Sir Archibald Alison returned thanks. He said — '' I feel that I
owe the high honour of returning thanks in the name of the Provincial
Deputations of Scotland to the circumstance of being the Provincial
Grand Master of that city which, in the eloquent words of Lord Pan-
mure, has been styled the third commercial city in the world, and
which, I trust, may be said to be second only to this in the zeal with
which it is animated in the cause of Free Masonry. I rejoice to say
that I came this morning in the train from Glasgow with one thousand
zealous Free Masons, and some hundreds came in another train from the
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TBB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 343
towns in the vicinitj. I am happj to say tbere is no part of the United
Kingdom — I may add there is no part of the World, which takes
more interest in the business of our Ancient Order than the West of
Scotland, and I am certain there is not one in that great community
that feels a greater zeal in the cause than myself. There is no indi-
vidual, perhaps, who has so much reason to say that he is grateful
to Free Masonry, for I am sure there are none who now hear me
who have a family anecdote so interesting to narrate, or one which
shows how much the principles of Free Masonry may surmount even
the animosities and the anger of war« In the American War there
was a young English officer who was wounded, and had a bayonet
pointed towards his breast in one of the entrenchments that he was
storming in the United States. When the bayonet was at his breast,
he got hold of a young American officer, to whom he gave the Free*
mason's grip. The American knocked up the bayonet^ and saved the
Englishman's life. He took him to his own home, and treated him
as a brother, and for two or three months he lived in his family. That
officer, thus saved by Free Masonry, afterwards returned to Scotland,
where he married a lady, a relative of the noble family of Erskine, and
the issue of that marriage was Lady Alison, my wife, and mother of
two who have bled for their country in India.
" While I regard the grand demonstration which took place to-day as
a proof that the great cause of Free Masonry, which was flourishing when
the Temple of Jerusalem was built — ^which has survived the tyranny of the
Romans — the conquests of the Goths — and the inroads of the Saracens
— is now as rife as it was when Solomon laid the foundation of the
Temple of Jerusalem — I feel assured that it will be to the end of the
world as permanent as the principles of the Gospel, of which it was the
prototype, and of which it was the completion — namely, the principles
of peace to man, and good-will to mankind.
<' Allow me to say, before I conclude, that I trust that this meet-
ing, composed of the Masons of Scotland, of Deputations from Eng-
land and Ireland, and of a Representative of the Free Masons of
Fiance, may be regarded as a proof of the approach of that period
when not only are the principles of Free Masonry to obtain a more
lasting and a more permanent place than ever they have had since
the days of Solomon in the hearts of mankind, but that the union
which has been shown this day in this magnificent assemblage is a
type also of that increasing warmth of feeling which pervades all parts
of the British Empire, and which, I trust, will enable us not merely to
unite cordially in all the works of Christian benevolence and universal
philanthropy, but, should we be compelled to draw the sword, to exhibit
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344 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
an invincible front alike to the treaohery of Sepoy mutineers and all
other enemies."
The Chairman, in proposing " Prosperity to the Daughter Lodges of
Scotland/' referred to the noble appearance which they presented in the
Procession. He was quite satisfied that if anything were wanting to
prove the high appreciation of Masonry in Scotland at this moment, it
could not have been more fully shown than by the appearance made by
the Masonic body this day.
The other toasts which followed were—" The Depute Grand Master,
J. Whyte-Melville," by Thomas J. Quinton ; "The Substitute Grand
Master, Lord Loughborough ;" " The Senior and Junior Grand Wardens ;"
" The Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and other Grand Officers of
the Grand Lodge of Scotland," by the Chairman ; " The Building Com-
mittee and Brother Hunter," by Lord Loughborough ; " The Grand
Architect, Brother Bryce," by the Chairman ; " The Duchess of Athole,
the Ladies, and the Ladies present," by Brother Milton of St An-
drews ; " The Grand Marshal, Brother Coghill," and " The Memory of
St Clair of Roslin," by the Chairman.
The Banquet terminated shortly after ten o'clock, when the
Brethren dispersed, some to visit the Lodges in Edinburgh, who enter-
tained large Deputations of their Provincial Brethren; whilst others
attended the Ball in the Assembly Rooms in honour of the occasion ; at
which nearly 500 were present.
The Patronesses were— The Countess of Buchan, Mrs Craigie-Halkett
Inglis, Mrs Gillon of Wallhouse, Mrs Henry Inglis, Mrs Mercer, and
Mrs Merry. The Patrons were — His Grace the Duke of Athole,
J. Whyte-Melville, Esq., of Bennochy, Lord Loughborough, Major-
General Swinburne, Samuel Hay, Esq., Henry Inglis^ Esq., William
A. Laurie, Esq., and Alexander J. Stewart, Esq.
Amongst the company were — Lord Panmure, Lord Loughborough,
Lord Neaves, Major Crawford, R.A., Captain Bedford, 79th High-
landers, Captain Hay, Edinburgh County Militia, Lieutenant M'Farlan,
R.N., Samuel Hay, Esq., W. E. Hope-Vere, Esq., Henry Inglis, Esq.,
Richard Hunter, Esq., George M'Kenzie, Esq., Arthur Campbell, Esq.,
Mrs Neaves, the Misses Neaves, Miss Melville, the Misses Davidson,
Miss Hunter, &c.
The music was under the superintendence of Mr Howard, and the
dancing was kept up with great spirit until an early hour.
Thus happily terminated Summer St John's Day, 1858 — a day long
to be remembered in the Annals of Scottish Freemasonry.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 345
CHAPTER XV.
HISTORY AND TRANSACTIONS OP THE GRAND LODGE, FROM THE QUAR-
TERLY COMMUNICATION ON 2d AUGUST 1858, TO THE CONSECRATION
AND OPENING OP THE FREE MASONS* HALL OP SCOTLAND, ON 24TH
FEBRUARY 1859.
At the Quarterly Communication on 2d Angnst 1858, the Grand Clerk
read a communication from the Grand Lodge of Ireland, addressed to
Brother Dr Samuel Somerville, their Representative in the Grand Lodge
of Scotland, which contained the following Resolution, passed in the
Grand Lodge of Ireland at its meeting on the 1st of July last : — *' Pro-
posed by Worshipful Brother the Honourable George Handcock, Junior
Grand Deacon, and seconded by Worshipful Brother Arthur Bushe,
Senior Grand Deacon — ' That the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of Ireland, duly assembled, at their usual monthly meeting on
Thursday the Ist day of July 1858, desire to convey their warm con-
gratulations to The Right Worshipful the Grand Lodge of Freemasons
of Scotland on the auspicious event of laying the Foundation-stone of
a New Masonic Hall in the City of Edinburgh : They also avail them-
selves of the opportunity to express the high satisfaction they have been
afforded by the courteous and fraternal reception accorded to the depu-
tation from the Grand Lodge of Ireland present on that occasion.' "
At this meeting the sanction of the Grand Lodge was given to the draft
of the Ceremonial to be observed at the Consecration and Erection of a
new Lodge ; as also at the usual Installation of the Office-bearers of any
Daughter Lodge. *
The Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of a Grand Clothier,
Ac, in room of Brother William Donaldson, deceased, when Brother
William Mann, of Messrs Millan & Mann, 135, George Street, was chosen
to fill that office.
On the motion of Brother Bryce, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge
St James, Edinburgh, No. 97, it was unanimously resolved that the
letters from the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland to their respec-
tive Deputations to this Grand Lodge, on the recent occasion of laying
^ Vide Appendix X, page 469, arUea.
23
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346 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
the FoandatioD-etone of the Freemasons' Hall of Scotland, should be
framed and hung ap in the Committee Rooms thereof.
At the Quarterly, Communication held on 8th November^ a letter
from the Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Upper Canada,
and another from the Provincial Grand Master of that of Linlithgow,
resigning their respective offices, were read, and accepted with regret.
The Grand Secretary reported the progress made with the New Hall,
and stated that the Grand Architect assured him of its being ready for
Consecration in February next.
Brother Hay, Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge Celtic, Edin-
burgh and Leith, No. 291, presented a cheque for L.50, as the contri-
bution of his Lodge to the Grand Lodge Building Fund ; for which
very handsome donation the thanks of the Grand Lodge were unani-
mously accorded to him, and the Office-bearers and Members of the
Lodge Celtic.
On the motion of Brother Dr Somerville, certain communications made
to him, as Bepresentative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland, relative to a
misunderstanding between that Grand Lodge and the Lodge St George,
Bermuda, holding of this Grand Lodge, were remitted to the Grand
Committee, with full powers to adjudicate thereon, and decide the
matters at issue.
Brother John Ormiston, Past Master of the Lodge St John, Wilson-
town Ironworks, was appointed to consecrate the Lodge St Andrew,
Drybridge, No. 380, and instal the Office-bearers thereof, on such day
as might be found suitable for all parties.
Brother Dr M'Cowan, Senior Grand Deacon, and Representative of
the Grand Orient of France, moved that Brother Chevalier de Saulcy
be appointed Representative from this Grand Lodge to the said Grand
Orient, which was unanimously agreed to.
The Petition and M^orial from the Provincial Grand Lodge of
Glasgow relative to Mark Masonry, and the working of the Mark
by the Lodge of Glasgow St John, No. 3-', having been presented,
alongst with answers thereto from the said last-mentioned Lodge, it
was agreed, in order to a discussion of the question at issue, to open
the Grand Lodge in the Master*s degree, which was accordingly done
by the Right Worshipful the Substitute Grand Master, who occu-
pied the Chair ; whereupon it was moved by Brother Andrew Kerr,
Senior Proxy Warden, No. 3-", seconded by Brother J. G. Houstoun,
Proxy Master, No. 4, " That the Grand Lodge of Scotland hav-
ing on 1st February 1858 adopted Resolutions to the effect that it
had been proved to the satisfaction of the Grand Lodge that certain
Lodges have'wrought the Mark since their foundation, and previous to
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THE HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY. 347
the existence of the Grand Lodge, and have continaed to do so till the
present time, anj interferenoe with the rights and privileges of Lodges
so situated was an invasion of the privileges of those Lodges, which
the Grand Lodge was bound to protect. And having taken into con-
sideration the complaint of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glasgow,
Resolve, That the Lodge of Glasgow St John was in order in continuing
to practise a Ritual to which their ancient privileges entitled them, and
dismiss accordingly the complaint of the Provincial Grand Lodge, and
find no expenses due. Quoad vltra, till the special Committee appointed
to confer with the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland present their
report, defer consideration of all questions involved in this matter till
then." Which, after considerable debate, was carried by a majority so
large as to bo almost unanimous.
The Brethren then proceeded to the election of Grand Stewards
for the year 1858-59, when the following were appointed, viz. —
Brother John Cunningham, — FresidefU.
Brother W. D. M'Ritchie, — Vice-President.
Brother W. Belfraoe. Brother Col. James Hunter.
C. CoBBOLD. ... George Paterson.
W. Forrester. . . . James Turner, Jr.
H . Gavin. . . . Charles S. Law.
John Haig. ... A. N. Clarke.
John D. B. Hay. ... Owen Gough.
William Hunt. ... William Mann.
Evan A. Huntfji. ... David Bryoe, Jr.
P. S. Melville. ... James Finlayson.
H. A. M'Neill. ... Thomas Duncanson.
Jambs Nairne. ... J. Elston.
S. Rathbone. ... C. G. C. Christie.
J. F. Skene. ... J. G. Houstoun.
J. Steventon.
1858. November 30, — St Andrew's Day. The Grand Lodge having
been opened in due form by Brother Dr M'Cowan, Right Worshipful
Master, No. 1, he declared the Offices of the Grand Lodge vacant ;
and, in accordance with the nomination at the Quarterly Communica-
tion on the 8th instant, he proposed as Grand Master Mason of Scotland
His Grace The DUKE OF ATHOLE, K.T.
His Grace having been unanimously elected, he was escorted into the
Grand Lodge by the Acting Grand Wardens, and the obligation of
office was administered to him by Brother M'Cowan.
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348 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The Most Worshipful The Grand Master then took liis place on the
Throne, and proceeded with the Election of Office-bearers, as follows : —
Sir James Forrest, Baronet, Right Worahipfal Past Grand Master.
J. Whyte- Melville of Bennochy and Strathkinness, Right Worshipful
Depute Grand Master.
Right Hon. Lord Loughborough, Right Worshipful Substitute Grand
Master.
Henry Inglis, W.S., Proxy Master * Trinity,' Elgin, Right Worshipful
Senior Grand Warden.
Major-General T. R. Swinburne, Proxy Senior Warden ^ Duubar
Castle,' Dunbar, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden.
Samuel Hay, (Union Bank,) Proxy Master ' Peebles Kilwinning,'
Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer.
William Alexander Laurie, W.S., Proxy Master * Rising Star of
Western India,' Bombay, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary.
Alexander James Stewart, W.S., Proxy Master * St John,' Dunkeld,
Right Worshipful Grand Clerk. .
Rev. David Arnot, D.D., Proxy Master ' Burns,' Halifax, Nova
Scotia, Very Worshipful Grand Chaplain.
F. D. M'CowAN, M.D., Right Worshipful Master ' Lodge of Edinburgh
Mary's Chapel,' Very Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon.
Thomas Drybrough, Right Worshipful Master ' Canongate Kilwinning,*
Edinburgh, Very Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon.
David Bryce, Proxy Master, * Royal Arch,' A3rr, Very Worshipful
Grand Architect.
Charles Mackay, Proxy Master ' Royal Arch,' Rutlierglcn, Very
Worshipful Grand Jeweller.
John Deuchar of Morningside, Proxy Master * St Mark,' Glasgow,
Very Worshipful Grand Bible Bearer.
Captain P. Deuchar, R.N., Proxy Master *St Ninian,' Brechin,
Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Lieutenant-Colonel James Hunter, Proxy Senior Warden ' St Michael,'
Crieff, Grand Sword-Bearer.
Charles W. M, Muller, Proxy Master ' KilmoUymock,' Elgin,
Grand Director of Music.
John Coghill, Proxy Master * St George,' Aberdeen, Chief
Grand Marshal.
James Watters, Grand Marshal.
William M. Bryce, Grand Tyler.
Brother William Mann, Clothier and Paraphernalia Maker.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 349
The obligation defideli administraiione was then given by the Grand
Mabter to the varioas Office-bearers present/ after which the Brethren
adjourned to celebrate the Festival of St Andrew.
The occasion was one of more than usual interest to the Brethren, as
the young Marquis of Tullibardine was for the first time introduced by his
noble father to the Grand Lodge, he having been initiated that morning
in the Lodge St John, Dunk eld. After the usual loyal toasts had been
given and received, and the Grand Lodges of England and Ireland
duly honoured, Brother Dr M*Cowan proposed the health of the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master, enlarging upon the progress which
Masonry had made in the kingdom during the time that his Grace
had held the ofiice of Grand Master Mason of Scotland, and congra-
tulating the Craft on his Grace's re-election. In reply, his Grace
expressed his gratification at being again chosen to fill the office he then
held, and his anxiety to do all in his power to forward the interests of
the Craft. The healths of the visiting Lodges were then given, and
respectively acknowledged. At the conclusion of this series of toasts
General Swinburne proposed the health of the Most Noble the Marquis
^ The following are HonoraiT' and Representative Members of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, viz. : —
Honorary Members.
His Majesty Oscar, King of Sweden and Norway.
H. R. H. Prince Frederic of the Netherlands.
Representative Members.
To the Grand Lodge of England.— Brother the Right Honourable Lord Jambs
Charles Plaktaoi^.net Murray.
From the Grand Lodge of England. — Brother the Right Honourable Baron
Pansiure, K.T.
To the Grand Lodge of Ireland. — Brother the Honourable AuousTirs G. F.
JOCBLTN.
From the Grand Lodge of Ireland. — Brother Samuel Somerville of Ampher-
law, M.D.
To the Grand Lodge of Sweden. — Brother Adolf Gostap Brbdenberg.
From the Grand Lodge of Sweden. — Brother W. A. Laurie, Grand Secretary.
To the Grand Orient of the Netherlands. — Brother Professor D. J. Veeobns,
Amsterdam.
From the Grand Orient of the Netherlands. — ♦ ♦ ♦ *
To the Grand Lodge of Hamburg. — Brother Carl Ferdinand Unoe.^.
From the Grand Lodge of Hamlurg, — Brother Adolpbus Robinow.
To the Grand Lodge of Prussia. — Brother Carl von Dablbn.
From the Grand Lodge of Prussia. — Brother Professor W. E. Aytoun.
To the Grand Orient of i^ranw.— Chevalier Db Saulcy, G, O. de France.
From the Grand Orient of Prance. — Brother F. 1>. M'Cowan, M.D., Senior
Grand Deacon.
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350 TOE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
of TuUibardine, which was received with MasoDic Hononrs. The noble
Marquis made an appropriate replj, and expressed the utmost gratifica-
tion at being admitted into the Fraternity. The remaining toasts, viz.,
the healths of the Depute Grand Master, John Whjte-Melville, Esq. j
of the Substitute Grand Master, Lord Loughborough ; of the Duchess of
Athole ; and the Grand Wardens, having been respectively given, the
proceedings terminated by the closing of the Grand Lodge in ample
form.
At the Quarterly Communication on 7th February 1859 the follow-
ing Brethren were elected to perform the duties of Grand Committee
for the year 1859-60, viz. :—
The Grand Master. Depute Grand Master.
Substitute Grand Master.
The Masters of all Lodges in Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello, viz : —
Brother F. D. M'Cowan, Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel.
„ Thomas Drybrouoh, Canongate Kilwinning.
„ Thomas Duncan, Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canongate.
„ William Hunter, Journeymen, Edinburgh.
„ Alexander Downie, St David, Edinburgh.
„ George Paterson, St Luke, Edinburgh.
„ Charles S. Law, St Andrew, Edinburgh.
„ James Leggat, St James' Operative, Edinburgli.
„ Edward Mitchell, St Stephen, Edinburgh.
„ George Laing. Edinburgh Defensive Band.
,, Dr MiDDLETON, Roman Eagle, Edinburgh.
„ Alexander Scott, St John, Portobello.
„ Patrick Cowan, Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith.
„ William Mann, St Clair, Edinburgh.
„ Thomas Pearson, Trafalgar, Leith.
And the following Proxy Masters : —
Brother William Belfrage, Ancient, Stirling.
„ W. Ireland, St Luke, Lauder.
„ A. N. Clarke, Panmure, Arbroath.
„ Adolphus Robinow, Eastern Star, Colombia.
„ William Hunt, St John, Dunfermline.
„ James Turner, Junior, Torphichen Kilwinning, Bathgate.
„ James C. Walker, St James, Old Monkland.
„ William Pringlb, St John, Beith.
„ James G. Thallon, St Thomas, Arbroath.
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TUE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 351
Brother S. Someryille, M.D., Lockhart St John, Camwath.
,, Andrew Kerr, Lodge of Glasgow St John.
;, William Mann, St Nicholas, Aberdeen.
„ R. Shedden Patrick, Mother Kilwinning.
„ Lindsay Mackersy, Caledonian St John, R. A., Campsie.
„ T. H. Douglas, King Robert the Bruce, Auchtermuchty.
„ John Coghill, St George, Aberdeen.
„ Alexander Hay, Midcalder.
„ James Nairne, Royal Arch, Cambaslang.
„ David Bryce, Junior, Stow.
The Lodges " Trafalgar," Leith, " St John," Galashiels, « St Mary,"
Coltness, and " Stonehaven," were, upon petitions presented by each,
respectively reponed, on payment being made of all arrears of Grand
Lodge dues. A new Charter was ordered to be expede in favour of the
Lodge " Zetland," Grangemouth.
The Grand Secretary read printed excerpts from Minutes and
Resolutions adopted by the Standing Committee of the Supreme Royal
Arch Chapter of Scotland, of date 8tli December last, and Minute of
approval thereof by the Supreme Body on the 15th of that month, pro-
testing against this Grand Lodge working the Mark Master's ritual.
The Grand Lodge having considered these excerpts, and also the laws of
the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter, were of opinion that that body
have acted at variance with their own laws, which enact the recognition
of any one as a Mark Mason or Past Master that has been made in a
Chapter holding of themselves, or in a Lodge holding of live Grand
Lodge of Scotland, and directed the Grand Secretary to write to Com-
panion Gaylor, pointing out the discrepancy between the resolutions and
the laws of the Supreme Body.
Thursday, the 24th February, having been fixed upon for the Consecra-
tion and Inauguration of the New Free Masons' Hall, 98, George Street,
Edinburgh, the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, the Grand Officers,
and Grand Stewards, met in the ante-room of the Great Hall, at half-
past 12 o'clock, where, having been clothed in the proper regalia of their
respective offices, the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form. A pro-
cession was then formed, and the Grand Master, preceded by the Grand
Stewards with their rods, together with the other Office-bearers, <&c.,
passed into the Great Hall, where they were received by the Brethren,
all standing, with the usual Masonic honours, the organ playing until
the Grand Master was conducted to his place. The Grand Master
having taken the Chair, stated to the Brethren that [the Grand Lodge
had been already opened, according to ancient custom on similar occa-
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352 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
eions. Whereapon The Very Worshipful the Acting Grand Chaplain^
Brother Andrew R. Bonar, (the Grand Chaplain being absent from in>
disposition;) commenced the ceremony of Consecration by offering up
the following prayer : —
O Adorable Lord God, Maker of all thini^s, and Jadge of all men, regard,
we humbly beseech Thoe, with Thy special favour, this our present undertak-
ing, and grant that the work which we now commence in Thy name may con-
duce to Thy glory, and to the good, temporal aad eternal, of Thy dependent
creatures. Let a scrupulous regard to the obligation which, in Thy name, and
under Thine all-seeing eye, we have entered into, distinguish all upon whom
our privileges have been conferred, — that they, abounding in all holy conver-
sation and godliness, may become true and worthy members of qjjlt venerable
Order, and that their practice may, in all things, correspond with their pro-
fession.
Response by the Brethren, — So mote it be ; followed by the Grand
Hononrs and Solemn Music.
Brother The Reverend William Graham of Newhaven, Assistant
Acting Grand Chaplain, then read Psalm cxxxiii, when the Grand
Honours were again given ; after which the fullowing Oration was pro-
nounced by the Very Worshipful the Acting Grand Chaplain : —
" Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Officers, and Brethren.
" I have reason to regret that the honour of addressing you on this im-
portant occasion has not, from unforeseen circumstances, fallen to the lot
of my Reverend Brother, Dr Arnot, Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, whose services, rendered on occasion of the laying the Founda-
tion Stone of the Edifice in which we are met this day, gave such satis-
faction to the Members of the Fraternity, that had from so many dif-
ferent quarters assembled.
" We cannot forget the imposing ceremonies of that time, and the
proof given of the extensive diffusion of Masonic light. Brother met
Brother upon an high and peculiar occasion. Far-separated friends
were anew reminded of obligations resting upon them mutually, and
departed to their several homes with a deepened conviction that Free
Masonry has most important ends in view, and contributes to the secur-
ing of most valuable results.
" Christianity — the Gospel of Christ — is the great motive power that
acts upon a dead and slumbering world, — proclaiming the Son of God to
man, and enforcing the love which man owes to his brother. Under its
influence the bonds of slavery have been relaxed, if not entirely broken:
the position of the female sex has been altered for the better: even the
horrors of war have been softened ; and, for the mitigation of distress.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 353
and the alleviation of the woes of suffering hamanity^ sums have been
contributed and hospitals erected, — circumstances which were wholly
unknown in heathen times.
" Christianity, I repeat, prefers the true balm for human misery — the
remedy for man's sin. It teaches the details of duty, and enforces them
from the highest motives, while it opens up to view a vision of the
celestial mansions in which the just shall dwell,— elevated far above
the storms which rage over this lower region ; — * where the pure in
heart shall see God,' and the mourners shall have their sorrows com-
forted,— where there shall be nothing * to hurt or offend in God's holy
mountain,' — where, under a pure and serene sky, undarkened by cloud,
the generation of the blest shall rejoice in the light of God's counten-
ance for ever.
'' Masonry has sometimes been denounced as antagonistic to religion.
There is, some say, the motive power, — and shall man dare to supple-
ment its working by any human institution or contrivance, as though
unhallowed hands were touching the ark of God 1 Our secret symbols
—our exclusive gatherings, have been misrepresented : the faults, too,
entirely unconnected with Masonry, the errors and vices of members of
the Craft, — have been appealed to as confirmatory of the accusation, —
by the uninstructed and unenlightened. Let it be our aim to vindicate
Masonry from such aspersions, untrue and undeserved. Our meetings
are begun with prayer, — our proceedings are carried on in the fear of
God. No dark conspiracies are formed amongst us. We would fear
God — we reverence the Queen. With the ntmost latitude of feeling
regarding political dogmas and external points of religions faith and
practice — we recognise, and I trust feel, the force of that sublime law of
brotherhood — obeyed in recognition of Him, our Almighty Parent, who
* made of one blood all the children of men ' who dwell on the face of
the wide earth. With various measures of hope and belief, do we not
strive to tread in the track of Him, our Saviour and Elder brother, who
said, ' By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have
love one to another ]' ' We know that we have passed from death
unto life, because we love the brethren/
" What we would desire to advance for Free Masonry is, that it may
prove auxiliary to a higher power — that which draws us to the love and
service of Him who gave us being — who has placed us in this goodly uni-
verse— ^and enjoined on us the duties of active piety and benevolence.
Such duties are not impeded, they are helped on by the impulse which
brings us together ; and, if we remember that One who was far * greater
than the sons of men' consented to tread, ' a weary pilgrim on the world's
highway, ' — that over the ' acres of Palestine trod those blessed feet
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354 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
that were nailed to the cross for man's redemption ;' that He cared for
the poor and sach as had none other to comfort them, we may take en-
conragement in thinking that we are so far complying with the request
of Him who said — * A new commandment I give auto yon, that ye love
one another/ as * I have loved you.'
" This Hall is dedicated to ' Virtue/ — a term applicable, in its proper
acceptation^ to ' manly strength/ such as Craftsmen are called upon
to exert, — or to that abstinence from evil and that desire of doing
good which every member of the Fraternity is called upon to culti-
vate. There is solid and substantial good wrought through this con-
federacy, spread through all parts of the world, — even where around far
* Remoter isles the sea-waves beat.'
" How often hare the hearts of Brethren been warmed and stirred to-
wards a poor, depressed Brother ! What liberal gifts have shewn that
each will assist his Brother as far as he has means ! The sacred bond
of Masonry has been recognised when foe met foe upon the field of hon-
ourable warfare. Its ties have bound Brethren to do something, nay
much, for a Brother's wife and children. Without exaggeration I may
say that, within the compass of its sphere, it has walked as a * minister-
ing angel,' soothing the distressed, comforting the desponding, and hold-
ing out its free-will gifts with an ungrudging, unselfish hand.
" Let us strive to ' keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
and in righteousness of life / remembering that ' pure religion and un-
defiled before God and the Father, is to visit the fatherless and widows
in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.'
' Let us seek, as we have opportunity, to do good to all/ and remember
likewise the tie of brotherhood by which we are connected.
" Masonry presents one spot of peace upon this earth of varying
sentiments and creeds, where brother esteems brother, and friend meets
friend, — a feeling that cannot be opposed to that of Him whom we own
to be our Master and Lord.
" Not long since, not merely Scotland, but the Empire generally
— nay many in our distant Colonial possessions — paid homage to the
memory of Scotland's truest Poet — who, whatever the errors of his
career, and the sad reverses he encountered, — ^has yet uttered many a
strain which the world cannot let die. The homage was paid to the
memory of a man of intellect, and a Brother whom the Creator had gifted
with high and peculiar powers. The Genius of his native land caught
him in the corn-field and upon the hill-side. The ' moors and mosses'
he invested with poetic lustre. On the ' lammas night ' the harf»est
moon still seems to shed its beams. His songs go straight to the heart.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 355
His tratbfal descriptions will remain so long as our language lives.
Bat who can tell how much his efforts were inspired, and the flame of
ambition was kindled in his breast, by the ' kind glad greetings ' of
the Brotherhood? one section of whom shewed their appreciation of
his genius by conferring upon him the Lanreateship of the Canongate
Kilwinning.
" This incidental notice, I trust, may be pardoned, thongh it may serve
to ^ beet the patriotic flame.' But we profess to hold ourselves by the
ties of a much more universal Brotherhood ; and all will cordially join
with me 'in the desire that this day's proceedings may issue in sub-
stantial fruits ; that the Divine approbation may rest on our procedure ;
that the ' flame of brotherly love ' may be augmented ; and that the
' Great Architect of the Universe ' may bless all here assembled, and
all the Brethren throughout the world."
The Oration was followed by the Anthem (with full organ accom-
paniment) ** When earth's foundation first was laid," &c., as on page
470, antea, Appendix x.
The Grand Architect was then desired to lay upon the table the
Jewels of the Grand Master, which having been done, His Grace de-
sired the President of the Grand Stewards to deliver to the proper
Officers the Jewels of their respective Officers, viz. : — The Compasses
and Square to the Depute Grand Master, the Square to the Substitute
Grand Master, the Level to the Senior Warden, and the Plumb to the
Junior Warden, which being done, the Grand Secretary delivered the
following Address : —
" Most Noble and Most Worshipful Grand Master,
" A brief period of time has elapsed since your Grace stood within
this area, surrounded by the Freemasons of Scotland, — at the greatest
Masonic Gathering that has ever taken place in Europe, — and founded,
by the favor of Divine Providence, the noble, the chaste, and beautiful
Temple in which we now stand, and are met here to consecrate with all
Masonic solemnity.
** Like the Founder of the First Temple, the Monarch of Israel, your
Grace invoked the blessing of the Almighty Architect of the Universe
upon the work ; and the successful termination at which it has this day
arrived, without difficulty, and without accident of any kind, must con-
vince all, that by His blessing alone, they who have builded the House
have not laboured in vain.
" With heartfelt zeal and sincerity, allow me thus. Most Worshipful
Grand Master and worthy Brethren, to congratulate you, and the Hall
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356 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Committee, and all concerned, on the great progress, stability, and ever-
increasing prosperity of the Craft, which have enabled this Fraternal
and National work to be completed, — an edifice, which does eqnal
credit to the talents and taste of the Architect, as well as to the Crafts-
men who have executed the work, and which promises to add to the
strength, and beauty, and glory of Free Masonry throughout the civi-
lized world.
" Whence all this perseverance, and even this popularity in the build-
ing of a Hall 1 Is it not because the character of the Fraternity is
reflected in its institution, in the events that excite its enthusiasm, as
well as in the monuments it has assisted in raising, and which have
become the objects of its chief interest 1 The Brethren in many dis-
tant lands, from the banks of the Ganges to the banks of the St Law-
rence, have contributed their oblations towards this good work, the
announcement of which ought to stimulate every noble heart at home
to emulation, and inspire a wish to contribute to the perfection of so
beautiful and elegant a design. Nor can the generous example of the
illustrious and noble Grand Master who so honorably sways the Hiram
over us, be wanting in its due effect and influence, — a nobleman — you
my Brethren must all agree with me — not more distinguished as a
Mason than as a man. Under such auspices may the Scottish Craft
long rest happy and secure, and flourish for ever like the graceful and
stately palm tree, until its branches shall cover the whole surface of
the habitable globe. It is now my duty Most Worshipful Grand
Master to inform your Grace that it is the unanimous wish of the
Fraternity to dedicate this Temple to Masonry. "
This Address was followed by the Masonic Anthem " Great Light to
Shine." Psalm xcv, verses 1 to 7, was then chaunted, with full organ
accompaniment.
After which the V. W. the Acting Grand Chaplain offered up the
following Prayer : —
Great Architect of the Universe I Maker and Ruler of all Worlds ! deign,
from Thy celestial Temple, from Realms of light and glory, to bless as, in all
the purposes of our present assembly.
We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all
our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony
in all our commnnicntions.
Permit us, O Thou Centre of light and life, great source of love and happi-
ness, solemnly to consecrate this Hall to Thy honour and glory. Amen.
Response by the M, W. the G. M, — Glory be to God on high !
Response by the Brethren, — As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 357
The CoDsecratioD Elements, — Corn, Wine, and Oil, — were here suc-
cessively sprinkled on the Hall by the Most Worshipful the Grand
Master, who at the same time invoked the blessing respectively on each
Element, viz. : —
May the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply the Inhabitants of this
. City, as well as all the Brethren throughout the world, with abundance
of Corn, [Wine,] and [Oil,] and all the necessaries and comforts of life.
Which being done, the Grand Chaplain resumed, as follows : —
Grant, O Lord our God, that they who are invested with the government of
this Grand Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their Brethren in aU
duties : May brotherly love and charity always prevail among the Members
thereof, and may this bond of Union continue to strengthen the Lodges
throughout the world I
Bless all our Brethren, '* the Qiildren of the Widow," wheresoever dispersed,
and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed.
We humbly commend to Thee all the members of Thy whole family. May
they increase in the knowledge of Thee, and in the love of each other.
Finally, may we finish all our works here below with Thine approbation ;
and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy heavenly temple
above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss ineffable. Amen.
Response by the M. W, the G, M. — Glory be to God on high !
Response by the Brethren. — As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Grand Honours, followed by Solemn Music. After which the
Brethren perambulated the Hall three times, saluting the Most Wor-
shipful the Grand Master in the three degrees ; whereupon the Grand
Master addressed the Brethren as follows : —
** Right Worshipful Senior and Junior Grand Wardens and
Brethren.
'' I have very great pleasure this day in consecrating this Hall for
the purposes of Masonry.
^' The want of a Building where the Grand Lodge might hold its
meetings has been very much felt, and I was very much gratified when
I laid the Foundation-stone, on the 24th June last, of the Building in
which we are now met.
" The very liberal manner in which the various Lodges have come
forward with funds to enable the Grand Lodge to erect this Building
has been highly satisfactory.
" During the many years I have now been Grand Master Mason of
Scotland, there is nothing of which I am more proud than that it has
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358 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
been during the period I have held that high office that this Hall has
been built and inaugurated.
'' I am sure you are all yerj much gratified with the expedition and
manner in which the building arrangements have been carried out^
which reflect so much credit on all those entrusted with the work
which has reached so very successful a termination this day.
*' Brethren, according to our ancient rules, it only remains for me to
declare this Hall to be the Free Masons* Hall of Scotland, dedi-
cated to Masonry."
Whereupon the Grand Secretary proclaimed to the Brethren that this
was now the Free Masons* Hall of Scotland, dedicated by the Most
Worshipful the Grand Master to Masonry.
Response hy the Brethren, — So mote it be.
The Grand Master then dedicated the Hall to Virtue : The Grand
Secretary repeating to the Brethren that the Hall was dedicated by *
the Most Worshipful the Grand Master to Virtue.
Jtesponse hy the Brethren. — So mote it be.
The Grand Master then dedicated the Hall to Universal Charity
and Benevolence : The Grand Secretary repeating to the Brethren
that the Hall was dedicated by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master
to Universal Charity and Benevolence.
Response hy the Brethren. — So mote it be.
The reading of part of 1st Kings, Chapter viii, verses 22, 23, 26-30,
43 middle, 60 ; and Chapter ix, verses 3-5, by the Very Worshipful
the Reverend William Graham, was succeeded by the singing of the
following Anthem with full Organ Accompaniment : —
To Heaven's high Architect all praise.
All praise, all gratitude be given ;
Who deign'd the human soul to raise,
By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.
Chorus.
Sound aloud the Great Jehovah's praise ;
To Him the dome, the temple raise.
GRAND HONOURS.
Benediction by the Acting Grand Chaplain —
May the Free Masons' Hall of Scotland, now dedicated to Masonry, be ever
the sanctuary and receptacle of Virtue, Universal Charity, and Bene-
volence ; and may the Great Architect of the Universe bless all here
assembled, and all the Brethren throughout the world, henceforth and for
ever. Amen.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 359
The Qaeen's ADthem^ with the additional verses, originally composed
by Brother Hay/ having been sung by all the Brethren with accom-
paniments, the Grand Lodge was closed in ample form, and the Brethren
dispersed^ — ^the proceedings having occupied two hours.
About two hundred Daughter Lodges were represented at the cere-
mony. Among the Brethren present, besides the OflSce-bearers of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, were — Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran,
Bart.; Sir P. Arthur Halket of Pitfirrane, Bart.; Sir George Beresford;
Chevalier Burnes, K.H.; Major-General Belshes ; Major Bamsay ; J.
Erskine Wemyss of Wemyss ; A. Robinow, Hanseatic Consul ; Samuel
Somerville, M. D., Representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland ;
Provost Taylor of Leith ; Professor Ben net, &c. The Hall, besides being
tastefully decorated with Masonic emblems, was adorned with the banners
of the Representatives of Foreign Sister Lodges ; and the " dim religious
light, " streaming through the beautifully-stained glass windows, gave
the scene a rich, imposing, and solemnising aspect
In the evening a grand Masonic Festival and Banquet took place in
the Hall, which was attended by upwards of three hundred Brethren.
The Most Worshipful the Grand Master occupied the chair, and was
supported on the right and left by John Whyte-Melville, Esq., Sir P.
Arthur Halket, the Chevalier Burnes, Major-General Swinburne, &c.
An excellent band occupied the orchestra, and the evening was spent in
the most agreeable and fraternal manner.
At no more fortuitous epoch in the History and Transactions of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland could this record have closed. From small
beginnings, with only tkirty-three Lodges rallying round her in 1736,
* The following are the verses by Brother Hay, above alluded to : —
« Hail ! Mystic, holy light.
Heaven-bom and ever bright,
Spread more and more.
Light of the bold and free,
Honoar and loyalty,
Light of Freemasonry,
Ne'er leave our shore.
** Almighty Architect I
Counsel, uphold, direct,
Victoria our Queen.
Round her Thy covering spread.
O'er her Thy spirit shed —
Take her anointed head.
Under Thy Wing.**
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360 THE HISTORY OP FREE MAfiONRY.
with DO conrenieDt place of meeting, and neither possessed of property
nor revenue, she has steadily and progressively pnrsned her course
for upwards of one hundred and twenty years, and can now number
nearly three hundred Daughter Lodges at home and abroad. She has
establbhed a Benevolent Fund, which, besides dispensing relief to many
a poor Brother, and giving succour to many a Widow and Orphan, is pos-
sessed of a rest fund exceeding one thousand six hundred pounds. She
is in possession of a Library which is unequalled, in a Masonic point
of view, by any similar collection, either public or private, in Europe.
And by her recent purchase she has established for herself a perma-
nent '* habitation and a name'* which will rank her on a par with the
Sister Grand Lodges of England and Ireland, and give her a more promi-
nent position than she has ever hitherto held amongst the Institutions of
the Country.
Her position is one of which the Scottish Brethren may well be
proud ; and when another century of her existence shall have elapsed,
that she may be found to have made a corresponding progression, and
be foremost in every good work, is the devout aspiration not only of
every Mason who hails from the Scottish banner, but of all the " Chililren
of the Widow " throughout the world.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 361
CHAPTER XVI.
NOTES ON THE PROVINCES AND DAUGHTER LODGES THEREIN LIST OF
LODGES ARRANGED IN PROVINCES, WITH DATES OF CHARTERS AND
COLOURS OF CLOTHING — PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS — FRED-MASONRY
AND LODGES ABROAD.
The paucity of materials, the research, and somewhat unsatisfactory
results would, it is deemed, have been a sutficient apology for curtailing
this Chapter very considerably, but for two considerations : 1st. The
desire of seeing the information here gathered together put into a more
permanent form than it now has in the scattered, and, in many cases,
fast-perishing memorials from which it has been drawn. 2d. That, seeing
how little printed accessible information the Brethren really have, the
Office-Bearers of the Lodges under the Scottish jurisdiction may be thus
induced to place anew upon record sketches of the history of their respec-
tive Lodges, the leading events in which they have borne a part, and
the names of the men of note who have been entered therein, — the
materials for doing so being in most cases yet attainable by the cus-
todiers of the records of each individual Lodge. These sketches, col-
lected and arranged, would not only be an invaluable repertoire of
Masonic information of the most valuable and reliable kind, but would
in many instances be of inestimable value to the archaeologist and
historian.
In the following Notes free use has been made of such Minute-Books
as have come within reach, — the three or four printed, and not many
n)ore written sketches, which have been drawn up by some of the
Lodges relative to their early history, — as well as the short " History,
Nature, and Objects of Masonry" by Brother James Miller of Glasgow,
author of the '* Architecture, Architects, and Builders of the Middle
Ages."
The Notes on the Provinces are of course drawn solely from the
Minute-books of the Grand Lodge.
24
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362 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
I. — EDINBURGH OR METROPOLITAN DISTRICT. — Erected 1736.
Year of
No. N«ne of Lodge. ^muS^^&t C5olour of Clothing.
Charter.
1 The Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, 1518 Light Blue.
2 Canongate Kilwinning, Edinburgh, 1677 Crimson.
5 Canongate and Leith, L. and C, 1688 Crimson.
8 Journeymen, Edinburgh, . 1707 Dark Blue.
36 St David, Edinburgh, . . 1739 Dark Green.
44 St Luke, (Holyrood-house,) Edinburgh, 1744 Crimson.
48 St Andrew, E()inburgh, . 1745 Dark Blue.
97 St James Operative, Edinburgh, 1765 Light Blue.
145 St Stephen, Edinburgh, . 1777 Green.
161 Edinburgh Defensive Band, . 1782 Blue and Orange.
160 Roman Eagle, Edinburgh, . 1785 Crimson.
226 St John, Portobello, 1808 Dark Blue.
Trafalgar, Leith, 1808 Red, White, and Blue.
291 Celtic, Edinburgh and Leith, 1821 Royal Stuart Tartan.
349 St Clair, Edinburgh, . . . 1847 Crimson.
354 Caledonian Railway, {DcrmarU,) . 1849
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig. Orig.
No.« No.
3 Edinburgh Kilwinning Soots Arms 123 Roynl Arch. Edinbniigh
6 Leith Kilwinning 148 New Edinbnzgh KUwlnnlng
64 Thistle, Edinburgh 218 Caledonian, Edinburgh
02 Prinoe of Wales, from Edinburgh 236 Phoenician, Leith
The Lodges in the Edinburgh or Metropolitan District are under the
direction of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master, his Depute, or Sub-
stitute. The Lodges Nos. 1, 2, 5, and 8 were amongst those who
obeyed the summons of the Hereditary Grand Master in 1736, and con-
sequently took part in the deliberations of the first Grand Lodge. On
that occasion the Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel was representetl
by '' Thomas Milln, Master, Samuell Neilson and Charles Mack,
Wardens," the Canongate Kilwinning by " William St Clair of Ross-
land, Esq., Master, George Crawfurd and Francis Keraply, Wardens,"
the Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canongate, by ''James White, Master,
Thomas Fergnsson and James Hamilton, Wardens/' the Journeymen
by "William Brownlie, Master, John Brownlie and Robert Gray,
Wardens."
The Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel is undoubtedly one of the
oldest and most distinguished Lodges in Scotland. According to tradition
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 363
the Brethren belonging thereto built Kelso Abbey, founded in the year
1128. They also built the first Abbey of Melrose, erected in the time of
David the First, of pious memory. The Lodge afterwards travelled north-
ward, and settled in Edinburgh towards the close of the fifteenth century,
when it formed a connection with the Incorporation of wrights and masons,
which was constituted by an Act of the Magistrates in 1475. This In-
corporation, when it was first formed, and for a long time afterwards,
was probably composed exclusively of the two crafts referred to, but in
process of time other trades were admitted to its privileges, for, by a
decision of the Court of Session in 1703, the bowmakers, glaziers,
plumbers, and upholsterers, were added to the masons ; and the wrights
received an accession to their ranks of the painters, slaters, sieve-
wrights, and coopers. The Incorporation, previous to the passing of
the Scotch Municipal Reform Act, had a double representation at the
Council Board of the City, and was generally called the United Incor-
poration of Mary's Chapel, from the circumstance of holding its meetings
in a building in Niddry's Wynd, which had been originally a chapel
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and which was swept away when the
South Bridge was built in 1785 ; it afterwards fitted up a Hall in
Burnet's Close, in which it still holds its meetings, and which is embel-
lished by a picture, executed in 1721 by one Chambers, a herald painter,
containing a full-length portrait of a freeman of the difiTerent trades
comprised iu the Incorporation, all represented in the costume of the
period, and labouring at their respective employments iu front of the
Palace of Holyrood. The Lodge took the same name as the Incor-
poration, held its meetings in the same place, had generally the same
Clerk to record its transactions, and the Deacon of the Masons was
most frequently the Master of the Lodge. In the Charter granted to
Sir William St Clair, the Lodge of Edinburgh stands first on that interest-
ing record, represented by " William Wallace^ Decon, John Watt and
Thomas Patersone.'* ( Vide Appendix II, p. 439, infra.)
Several of the Lodges which obtained their original charter of erection
from the Mother Kilwinning took also the name of Kilwinning, with
that of the town or place where they carried on their work. Of these
the most distinguished is the Edinburgh Canongate Kilwinning, No. 2.
This Lodge claims a sort of traditionary existence from the year
1677- In their Charter from the Mother Kilwinning, of date 1736,
they are acknowledged as part and parcel of the old Lodge, a sort of
" alter ego^^ resident in the Canongate of Edinburgh, and reference is
made to a petition presented on the 6th December 1677, to be permitted
to meet as a lawful Lodge ; the prayer of which petition is asserted to
have been granted at that time. Many of the brightest names in the
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364 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
literature of the last century were initiated in this Lodge; into it
Robert Bums was affiliated^ and was subsequently crowned its Poet-
Laureate.
The Lodge Journeymen dates its origin from the year 1707, and was
an offshoot from the Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel. At the time
the schism took place it created a great sensation in the incorporated
body, and legal measures were tried, though vainly, to bring the " Jour-
neymen" to obedience. Much bitterness was indeed shown by the
rigorous proceedings of the parent Lodge, but so successfully did the
members of the new Society conduct their proceedings that they gained
the sympathy and approbation of the Lords of Council and Session,
who presented them with a purse in which to hold their money, and
which is preserved in the Lodge to the present time.
The dispute however at length cooled down, and the Lodge of Edin-
burgh, by a Minute dated 17th December 1718, rescinded the act for-
merly made by them secluding the entered journeymen masons from
their Society, and re-admitted them, under certain conditions, to their
former privileges : — " The same day the Societie also unanimously
approved of James Cumming, Patrick Mitchell, Matthew Moffat, Peter
Stewart, and David Lesly, journeymen, who had all been received and
admitted Fellow-crafts by the Society of Journeymen since they left the
Deacons, Wardens, and Masters, and authorised them to be Members of
the Societie equally with the other journeymen."
On St John's Day of the following year, that is, in 1719, James
Watson, who had left the Lodge of Mary's Chapel, along with the
journeymen in 1712, was once more elected to the offices of Deacon of
the Incorporation and Preses of the Lodge ; and at the sametime, four
journeymen, out of a leet of ten given in by the Journeymen Society,
were chosen as Joint Managers of the affairs of the parent Lodge.
After this the journeymen were all gratuitously raised to the Degree of
Master Mason in the Lodge of Edinburgh, and occasionally celebrated
their festivals in one of the apartments of Mary's Chapel ; and on one
occasion at least, the Lodge of Edinburgh held a meeting in the Hall of
the Journeymen Lodge. For one hundred and twenty years deputations
have been exchanged, mutual assistance rendered, and the most frater-
nal intercourse carried on by the two Lodges, — the whole being crowned
by the unanimous election, in 1857, of the Right Worshipful Master
of the Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, to the position of an
honorary, member of the Lodge Journeymen.
The Lodge St David, besides those of many other illustrious names,
has the honour of having inscribed on her list of members that of
Sir Walter Scott.
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TUE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
365
The Lodge St Luke was origiDally known hj the designation of
" The Lodge Holyrood-honse, No. 44 ;" and of late years an inclina-
tion has been shewn to resume that ancient title in conjunction with its
present appellation.
The Lodges Nos. 48, 97> 145, 151, and 160, have always been highly
distinguished for their knowledge and practice of the Royal Crafty on
all occasions rendering it good service, as have also Nos. 226, 291,
and 349, though not of so old a status. Trafalgar, Leith, for a series of
years extinct, was resuscitated on 7th February 1859.
The Lodges of this district have an annual Festival, each taking the
management in rotation, at which that harmony and good fellowship so
characteristic of the Brotherhood is maintained with the greatest success.
II. — AYR8HIEB PROVINCE. — Erected 1792.
Provincial Grand Master, — The R. W. M. of the Mother Lodge of
Kilwinning ;
Conform to Minute of Agreement, 2d November 1807.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. S'iSteof Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
0 Mother Lodge of Kilwinning,
22 St John, Kilmarnock Kilwinning, 1737
61 Loudon Newmills, . 1747
86 Navigation, Troon,
124 Ayr Kilwinning, .
126 St Andrew, Kilmarnock,
127 Thistle, Stewarton,
135 St James, Tarbolton, .
149 St Andrew, Irvine,
157 St John, Beith, .
165 Royal Arch, Ayr,
169 Thistle and Rose, Stevenston,
173 St John, Largs,
179 St Mungo, Mauchline, .
198 Royal Arch, Maybole, .
204 St Paul, Ayr and Renfrew Militia,
210 St Andrew, Newton-Ayr, .
230 St Barnabas, Old Cumnock,
237 St John, Girvan,
245 St Andrew, Glenbuck, .
290 Blair, Dairy,
311 Caledonian, Dunlop, Stewarton,
314 Royal Arch, West Kilbride,
320 St John Royal Arch, Saltcoats,
334 St John, New Cumnock,
Green and Gold.
Scarlet and Gold.
Red — Blue Trimmings.
1762 White— Crimson Edge.
1770 Sky Blue, Scarlet Trim.
Crimson, Dark Blue Trim.
Green and Gold.
1771 Deep Skye Blue.
1780 Crimson.
1784 Dark Blue and Yellow.
1786 Scarlet.
1787 Dark Green.
1789 Red and Blue.
1791 Crimson.
1797 Crimson.
1799 Dark Blue— Red Trimgs.
18C2 Red— Green Trinunings.
1809 Blue and White.
1810 Red and Blue.
1812
1821 Crimson and Blue.
1824 Crimson— Tartan Trim.
1826 Blue — Crimson Fringe.
1826 Crimson- Yellow Border.
1833 Blue.
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366 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
• LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orl«.
Orig.
No.
No.
14 Maybole
263 St Thomas, Mnirkirk
198 St Mamook, Kilmarnock
260 St Clement, Riccarton
185 St James, Newton-Ayr
288 Moira, Fenwlck
171 St Andrew, Girvan
887 St Salem, Bcith
172 St Peter, Galston, Kilmarnock
S45 St James, Nothertonholm, Kilmarnock
174 St David, Tarbolton
401 Kilmaun, Glenoalm
182 Operative, Ayr
402 St Peter, Galston
197 St Peter, Dumfries, Old Cumnock
TLe Ayrshire Province was originallj in the Glasgow or Western
District, and in the charter granted to Sir William St Clair (p. 439, infra,)
the signatures of " Hew Douok deikon of the Measounes and Vrichtis
off Ay re and George Lid (ell) deacan of qnarimen and nov quarter-
master/' follow the signatures of the Deacon and Master of the Lodge
of Glasgow.
On 7th May 17 92 a letter was laid hefore the Grand Lodge from Brother
Deummier, craving the appointment of Provincial Grand Master over the
Lodges in the town of Ayr, and several other Lodges in that neigh-
bourhood, but no action seems to have been taken beyond remitting the
application to the Provincial Grand Master of Dumfries to report.
On 2d November 1801 Brother Campbell of Fairfield was transferred
from the Southern District, and installed Provincial Grand Master,
which office he held until 2d November 1807, when, — ^in terms of an
agreement between the Grand Lodge and the Mother Lodge of Kilwin-
ning, wherein it was provided that the Master of the latter should be ipso
facto Provincial Grand Master for the Ayrshire District, — the Grand
Lodge authorised a Commission, as Provincial Grand Master foresaid,
to be made out in favour of Brother William Blair of Blair, the then
Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge Mother Kilwinning.
When the Grand Lodge of Scotland was constituted in its present
form in 1736, the Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel was placed at
the head of the Roll as No. 1, and the Kilwinning next to it, as No. 2.
About seven years afterwards the Brethren of Kilwinning reclaimed
against this arrangement, maintaining that, as the " Mother Lodge of
Scotland,** it was entitled to the first place on the Grand Roll, and to
take precedence of all the other Scottish Lodges. The Grand Lodge
however decreed that (p. 106, supra,) although it was well known
and universally admitted that Kilwinning was the birth-place of Scot-
tish Masonry, they had not produced any documents to show that
they were the oldest Lodge in Scotland, or to establish their identity
with the supposed Mother Lodge, and that the Lodge of Edinburgh
Mary's Chapel, who had shown authentic documents, reaching as far
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THE HISTORY OP PREE MASONRY. 367
back as 1598^ had an nndoubted right to retain the position and rank
which had been assigned to it. Resenting this concludon, the Kil-
winning broke off from the Grand Lodge, and asserted an independent
right, in virtue of its traditional antiquity, to ^rant charters of erection
to subordinate Lodges ; nor is it yery many years since this difference
was arranged, and the title of Mother Kilwinning, with rank next to
the Grand Lodge, conceded for the sake of Masonic harmony.
In 1 736 the Mother Kilwinning Lodge was represented by " George
Fraser, Master, Mr Andrew Hay and Alexander Hunter, Wardens."
St James, Tarbolton, instituted on 17th May 1771 by Charter from
the Mother Kilwinning, also holds a Charter from the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, dated 26th May 1774.
Various circumstances have occurred to make some of the Lodges in
this large and influential Province not so efficient as could be desired,
but for which the Lodges themselves are not to blame, the chief cause
being traceable to a change in the channels of commerce, which, while
depressing one locality exalts another nM>re fortunately situated. The
decrease of "the light" in some quarters is however amply made
up for by its brilliancy in others, the Lo<lges in tlie aggregate fully
sustaining, in what may be appropriately termed the Cradle of Scot-
tish Masonry, the ancient renown of our time-hallowed and venerable
Order.
JII. — PERTHSHIRE, — BAST PROVINCE. — EvecUd 1827-
Provincial Grand Master, — The Rt. Hon. Baron Kinnaird k Rossis;
Appointed 5th November 1827 ; re-appoioted 3pth November 1829.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge.
^StteS Colour of Caothlng.
Charter.
3 Scoon and Perth, ....
1658 Light Blue.
46 St John, Auchterarder,
1745 Waterloo Bl. -Yellowed.
74 St Andrew, Perth,
1758 Gruen and Gold.
105 St John Operative, Cupar> Angus,
1767 Koyal Blue, G old Border.
122 Royal Arch, Perth,
1770 Crimson and Silver.
174 St John, Dunning,
1790 Mazarene Blue.
192 St John, Muthil,
1795 Blue.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
Orig.
No.
No.|
85 Mononr
2M St Andrew, Strathmore
181 St John, Blairgowrie, Copar-Angtu
899 Union, Methvon
All the Lodges in this District are of a very ancient standing, and
quite sustain their wel]-earne<l fame. The Lodge Scoon and Perth is
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368 THE HISTORY OK FREE MASONRY.
one of great antiquity; and possesses a series of well-kept records for
upwards of 200 years. Its charter runs as follows ; —
" In the name of God. Amen. To all and sundrie persons whome
these presents doe belong. Witt ye us, the persons under-subscribers,
Masters, Freemen, and Fellow-craft Masones, residenters within the
Br ugh of Pearth. That wheir for sameikle as we and oar predecessors
have and haid from the Temple of Temples build on this earth, ane
uniform communitie and union throughout the whole world, from which
Temple proceeded one in Kilwinning in this our Nation of Scotland.
And from that of Kilwinning many more within this kingdome, of the
which there proceeded the Abbacie and Lodge of Scone, built by men of
art and architecture, wheir they placed that Lodge as the second Lodge
within this Nation, which is now past memorie of many generations, and
was upheld be the Kings of Scotland for the tyme both at Scone and the
decayed citie of Berth, when it stood, and now att Perth, head Brugh of
the Sheriffdom thereof to this verie day (24th December 1658), which is
now four hundredth three score and fyve yeirs since or thereby, and
during that ilk space the saids Masters, Freemen, and Fellow-crafta,
inhabitants within the said Brugh of Pearth, were alwayes able within
themselves to maintyne their first liberties, and are yet willing to do the
same, as the Masters, Freemen, and Fellow-crafts did formerly, whose
names we know not. But to our records and knowledge of our predeces-
sors, there cam one from the north countrie named John Mylne, ane
Masone, a man weall experted in his calling, who entered himself both
Freeman and B urges of this Brugh, who, in proces of tyme (by reason of
his skill and art,) was preferred to be the King's Majestie's Master Mason,
and Master of the said Lodge of Scone ; and his son, John Mylne, being
(after his father's decease) preferred to the said office, and Master of the
said Lodge, in the reign of his Majestic King James the Sixt, of blessed
memorie, who by the said second John Mylne, was (by the King's own
desire,) entered Freeman, Mason, and Fellow-craft, and during all his
lyfetimo he mantyned the same as ane member of the Lodge of Scone ;
so that this Lodge is the most famous Lodge (if weall ordered) within
this kyngdom ; of the which name Mylne there hath continued several
generations Master Masons to their Majesties the Kings of Scotland, and
Masters of the said Lodge of Scone, till the year one thousand six
hundred and fifty-seaven years, at the qlk tyme the last Mr Mylne, being
Master of the Lodge of Scone, deceased, and left behind him a complete
Lodge of Masons, Freemen, and Fellow-crafts, with such of their number
as Wardens, and others, to oversee them, and ordained that ane of the
said number should choise ane of themselves to succeed as Master iu
his place : The names of these persons follows, to witt," &c.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
369
IV. — GLASGOW PROVINCE. — Erected 1739.
Fromncidl Gra'nd i/iawfer.— Sir Archibald Alison, LL.D., Sheriff of
Lanarkshire ;
Appointed Slat May ]847.
Colour of Clothing.
Li^ht Blue and Silver.
Dark Green.
Royal Blue.
Crimson and Yellow.
Blue and Gold.
Crimson.
Crimson, Bl. Fr. Gold Ed.
Crimson, Yellow Trim.
Green, Red Trimmings.
Black, Blk. Rd. andBl. Tr.
Orange and Blue.
Red, Yellow Trimmings.
Red, White Fringe.
Light Blue and Silver.
Light Blue and Silver.
No. Namo of Lodge.
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
3-^ The Lodge of Glasgow, St J
4 Glasgow Kilwinning,
27 St Mungo, Glasgow, .
73 Thistle and Rose, Glasgow,
rohn, 1067
1735
1736
1768
87 Thistle,
1762
102 St Mark, „
1766
103 Union and Crown, „
1766
117 St Mary, Partick, „
128 St John, Shettleston, „
1769
178 St Patrick, „
1791
219 Star, „
1807
275 Shamrock and Thistle, „
1818
332 Duiitocher and Faifley Unio
333 St George, Pt.-Dundas & Co
n, . 1831
vrcaddens, 1833
360 Commercial, Glasgow,
1851
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
OrlR.
Mo.
70 Montrose, Glasgow
76 Argyle, Glasgow
77 Royal Arch, Glasgow
Orig.
Iso*
77 Partick Kilwinning, Glasgow
144 6t David, Glasgow
S71 8t John, Operative, Glasgow
The Lodges in this Province were at first placed amongst those
originally known by the designation of " West Country Lodges." On
7th February 1739, Alexander Drnmniond, Master of the Lodge
Greenock Kilwinning, received a Commission from the Grand Master,
empowering him to visit the several Lodges in the counties therein
mentioned, (in margin, " West Country Lodges,") " who acknowledged
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, or such Lodges as hereafter shall he
regularly constituted by authority thereof." On 30th November 1739
the Commission was renewed, he being styled therein " Provincial Master
of the several Lodges in the Western Shires of Scotbnd," and again
in the same terms in 1740, 1741, and 1742.
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370 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
On nth November 1747 Collector Mollison was appointed Provincial
Grand Master of Glasgow Province, conform to report of Grand Com-
mittee on 13th August of that year, the Lodges being —
Lodge of Kilwinning. Glasgow St Mungo.^ Hamilton.^
Dumbarton. Greenock Kilwinning.^ Lesmahagow.
Lanark.^ Kilmarnock. Glasgow Kilwinning.*
Kirkintilloch.* Coltness. Inverary.
On 2d February 1756, Archibald Hamilton, Esquire, of Dalserf, was
appointed to the Provincial Grand Mastership, with authority over the
Lodges Argyle, Glasgow, Royal Arch, Glasgow, and the six marked
thus * above named. Brother Hamilton was succeeded on 6th February
1769 by George Murdoch, Esquire, late Provost of Glasgow, who was
appointed Provincial Grand Master for the Lodges of Lanark, Renfrew,
Ayr, Dumbarton, and Argyle. On 2d November 1795 Brother Andrew
Houston of Jordanhill was appointed, vice Murdoch, deceased. On 4th
February 1805, Sir John Stewart, of Allanbank, succeeded Brother
Houston as Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire " Under Ward ;"
and on 3d May 1813, John Maxwell, Esquire, Younger of Pollok, M.P.,
(now Sir John Maxwell, Bart.,) was appointed as *' Provincial Grand
Master of Glasgow and Under Ward of Lanarkshire," which he resigned
on his appointment to East Renfrewshire on 6th February 1826, his
successor being Henry Monteith, Esquire of Carstairs, M.P., appointed
5th February 1827.
We have already (page 274, supi'a,) noticed the high antiquity
claimed for the Lodge of Glasgow, St John, and its reception into the
bosom of the Grand Lodge as No. 3-", on her Roll of Daughter Lodges.
The following is a copy of the Charter believed to have been granted by
Malcolm HI, sumamed Ceanmore, or Great-Head, in 1057: —
" Malcolm the III, by the grace of God King of Scots, wishes health
and safety to the Bishops, Princes, Earls, Barons, Ministers, and Adminis-
trators of our Law, and all good men of the Nation, both Clergy, Laicks,
or common people, and to all where these presents shall come, greeting.
Whereas our trusty and well- beloved friends, the Operative Masons
in the City of Glasgow, hath, by their Petition, humbly represented to
us that the inhabitants of this city has been imposed upon by a number
of unskilled and insufficient workmen that has come to work at our
Cathedral, and other parts of the city, and also has erected Lodges con-
trary to the rules of Masonry ; and being desirous of putting a stop to
such unskilled and irregular Brothers, most humbly pray to grant them
our royal licence and protection for stopping such irregular disorders ;
and we, being willing to give all due encouragement to so reasonable a
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THK HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 371
PetitioDy are graciously pleased to condesceDd to their request^ and we
do, by these presents, ordain and grant to oar Petitioners to incorporate
themselves together in one Incorporation, and we strictly discharge any
Mason within the foresaid city to work in it nntil he serves his time as
an apprentice for the space of seven years, or be married to a freeman*s
daughter, and he or they shall be examined anent their skill and know-
ledge on the Mason Craft by three of the ablest of the Mason Trade,
and if he or they be found of cunning or knowledge, to be received into
the Incorporation. Each shall pay twenty pounds Scots to the common
funds, and three pounds to the altar, and clerk's and officer's dues, which
the foresaid Incorporation shall always be allowed to be the judges,
of that and other laws made for behoof of the foresaid Incorporation.
Item, That the Free Incorporate Masons of Glasgow shall have a Lodge
for ever at the City of Glasgow, none in my dominions shall erect a
Lodge nntil they make application to the Saint John's Lodge, Glas-
gow, and they, considering their Petition, and examining their charac-
ter and behaviour, grant them a Charter conform to their Regulations.
Item, That all the Members of said Incorporation shall have liberty to
quarry stones, lime, sand, and other materials from the grounds of per-
sons, for paying the damages of what they occupy, or damage, for build-
ing of the foresaid Cathedral. But if the owners of the said lands and
the foresaid workmen do not agree, each party is to choose an honest
man to value the expense of the foresaid damages. Item, And that
any having power from me, maintain ray peace firm and stable against
all other pretenders and usurpers Who encroach on me or my subjects,
to disturb our peace. Item, And that you and all my subjects in this
obey the Magistrates in all things relating to my peace and the good of
the city. Item, And that you instruct and teach apprentices, and that
none take or employ any man's apprentice, when their time of ap-
prenticeship is not completed, under the pain of paying twenty pounds,
the one-half to the Incorporation, one-fourth to the Lodge, and one-
fourth to Saint Thomas' altar to say mass for their souls. Item, And I
strictly charge and command that none take in hand to disturb the Free
Operative Masons from being Incorporated Freemen, or to have a Free
Lodge, to take away their good name or possession, or harass or do any
injury to my Free Masons and Petitioners, under the peril of my highest
displeasure, and we order that notice be taken that due obedience may
be rendered to our pleasure herein declared.
" Given at our Court at Fordle, the 5th day of October 1057 years,
before these witnesses. Earl David my brother. Earl Duncan, Earl
Gilbert of Monteith, Sir Robert of Velen, Adam of Stenhouse, and
Andrew Hamilton, Bishop of Glasgow."
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372 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
In their Petition to the Grand Lodge, their right of precedence and
seniority was rested —
First, On the possession of this Charter.
Second, The recorded fact that a Cathedral Church requiring the aid
of the Masonic Fraternity was founded in Glasgow in the beginning of
the twelfth century.
Third, The special charter granted by William the Lion about the year
1192; for the confirmation and encouragement of the Freemasons in Glas-
gow employed by Bishop Joceline, for the re^construction of the Cathedral
destroyed about that time by fire, of which the following is a transla-
tion : — ' William, by the Grace of God King of the Scots, to all good
men of his whole realm, both Clergy and Laicks, greeting : Sympathising
with the necessity of the Glasgow Cathedral, and entertaining for it a
devout affection, both out of regard to its Supreme King and His most
Holy Confessor, Kentigern. We will to take upon ourselves the care
of administering comfort to its desolation, and to cherish it as far as in
us lies, with the support of our Royal protection. But seeing that this
mother of many Nations, heretofore in pinched and straitened circum«
stances, desires to be amplified for the glory of God, and, moreover, in
these our days has been consumed by fire, requiring the most ample ex-
penditures for its repairing, and demands both our aid, and that of more
good men, — t\ie fraternity appointed by the Right Rev. Jocylin, Bishop
of said Cathedral, with advice of the Abbots, Priors, and other Clergy of
his diocese, we devoutly receive and confirm by the support of our
Royal protection, aye and until the finishing of the Cathedral itself ;
and all the collectors of the same fraternity^ and those who request aid
for its building, we have taken into our favour, strictly charging all our
bailiffs and servants that they protect, and take them by the hand
everywhere throughout our kingdom, and forbidding that any one should
offer injury, violence, or insult to them, under pain of our highest dis-
pleasure. Before these witnesses, Hugh, our Chancellor ; Archibald,
Abbot of Dunfermline ; William Lindsay, Justiciar ; and Philip de
Velen, at Rokesburgh [Roxburgh].'
FourUi, The distinct declaration in the preamble of the application
for separate letters of deaconry made by the Wright Craft in the year
1600, that until that time they, and most of the other crafts in Glasgow,
were all under the jurisprudence and authority of the Masonic Incorpora-
tion and Lodge ; of which application there are many printed copies in
circulation here.
Fifth, The subscription of the Master and Wardens of the Lodge of
Glasgow to the charter granted by the Masons of Scotland to Sir Wil-
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 873
liam St Clair in the year 1628/ and by which snbscriptiou the identity
of the present Lodge of Glasgow, St John, with the one there represent-
ed^ is, by reference to its printed records, placed beyond a donbt.
The Lodge Glasgow Kilwinning, No. 4, was represented in the first
Grand Lodge by " Charles Selkirk, Deputy Master, George Home and
John Murdoch^ Wardens."
It may be worthy of note that the Lodge Thistle and Rose was origi-
nally known by the name of the Lodge St Paul, Glasgow.
The Lodge St Mnngo, No. 27, originally held their Charter from the
Lodge of Glasgow St John, which, being an* Operative Lodge, and con-
nected with the Incorporated Masons of Glasgow, refused to enter
Speculative Masons, but granted a Charter to them as a Speculative
Lodge. They afterwards got a second Charter about 1728 or 1729
from the Lodge Mother Kilwinning, under the name of the " St John
Kilwinning, Kirk of Glasgow St Mungo Lodge," and the Brethren are in
possession of a Minute- Book of that date setting forth the above title.
The Lodge St Mungo was present by deputation at the formation of
the Grand Lodge in 1736, the representatives being -' Thomas Hamilton,
Master, Thomas Hamilton, of Falla, and Robert Walkinshaw, War-
dens."
V. — INVERNESS PROVINCE. — Erected 17^7 -
Provincial Grand Master, — William Brodie, Esquire, of Brodie ;
Appointed 5th November 1827 ; re-appointed 30th November 1829.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. J?Datelrf" Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
6 Old Kilwining St John, InvemeaB» 1678 Dark Blue—Silver Edge.
43 Fort- William, .... 1743 Orange and Blue.
65 Brodie, Dyke, .... 1763 Green.
339 St Mary Caledonian Op., Inverness, 1843 Green.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig. Grig.
No! No.
81 St Andrew, InTemeas 2S9 OperatiTe, Clacknaoadden
67 Cumberland Kilwinning, Inremeaa 350 Union, Inyeme«
115 Fort-George, Arderseir Point
This Province was erected od 13tb August 1747, Joho Bailly, Esquire,
W.S., being Provincial Grand Master. On 2d February 1756, Sir
> Vide Appendix II, infra, p. 439.
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374
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
William Danbar of Westfield, Bart., was appointed, on which occasion
a new allocation of Lodges took place ; and in 1801, James Brodie,
Esquire of Brodie, M.P., was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the
shires of " Inverness, Ross, and Elgin ;'* he was succeeded by his son,
as Provincial Grand Master of " Inverness-shire," in 1827.
It will be observed that the Charter of the Lodge Old Kilwinning St
John, Inverness, dates from the year 1 678, which is the farthest back
date of all the Kilwinning Lodges, none of the others going beyond 1724.
It was represented in 1736 by " James Deeins, Master ; Doctor Thomas
Horton, and John Crawfurd, Wardens."
VI. — LANARKSHIRE, — MIDDLE WARD PROVINCE. — Erected 1816.
Provincial Grand Master. — His Grace the Duke of Hamilton
AND Brandon ;
Appointed 30th November 1838.
No.
Name of Lodge
7 Hamilton Kilwinning, .
31 St Marj, Goltneas,
88 Montrose, New Monkland,
114 Royal Arch, Cambuslang,
177 St James, Old Monkland,
203 St John Operative, Airdrie, .
216 St Andrew, Strathavon,
233 Hamilton,
298 Hamilton and Clydesdale Operative,
305 St John, Woodhall, Holytown, .
Year of
InBtltatlon
or Date of
Charter.
1695
1737
1762
1769
1790
1799
1806
1810
1823
1823
Colour of Cloihiiig.
Crimson.
White— Yellow Border.
Royal Blue and Gold.
Lt. Crimson — Blue Fr.
Crimson — Yellow Tr.
Crimson— Gold Trim.
Blue.
Crimson and Blue.
Crimson— Lt. Blue Tr.
Blue.
lodges FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orlg.
No.
164 Hamilton
187 Strathayen Kilwinning
Orig.
No.
221 St John, Airdrie
400 St Andrew, Baat Kilbride
Lord Archibald Hamilton, who was Provincial Grand Master of the
Upper Ward Province, was transferred to the Middle Ward on the 5th
of August 1816, and was succeeded by W. F. Campbell, Esq. of Shaw-
field, M.P., on 5th November 1827, on whose transference to Argyll-
shire, in 1838, the present Provincial Grand Master^ then Marquess of
Douglas and Clydesdale, was appointed.
The Lodges Hamilton, and Strathaven Kilwinning, both now extinct,
were amongst those represented in 1 736.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
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VTi. — PBBTHSHiBB, — WEST PROViNOB. — Erected 1827.
Provincial Grand Master. — The Most Noble John, Marquess op
Breadalbane, K.T. ;
Appointed (as Viscount Glenorchy) 6th November 1827.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge.
Institation
or Date of
Charter.
Colour of Clothing.
9 Dunblane, ....
14 St John, Donkeld,
1736
1737
Daik Blue— White Edge
Dark Blue.
38 St Michael, CriefF,
152 Operative, Diinkeld,
171 St James, Donne, . .
269 St Kessac, Corarie,
1739
1783
1789
1818
Light Bine.
Green.
Crimson and Green.
Mazarene Blue.
lodges FO
RMERLY EXISTING.
Orlg.
nS
Orig.
nX
281 St Pillen, Braadalbane, KilUn
324 St KeMac, Callander
S47 Tay and Lyon, Kenmoro
VIII. — EAST LOTHIAN PROVINCE. — Erected 1836.
No.
Name cf Lodge.
10 Dalkeith Kilwinning, .
33 Aitchison's Haven, (SutpendedJ^ .
57 Si John Kilwinning, Haddington,
70 St Abb, Ayemouth,
75 Dunbar Castle,
81 Musselburgh Kilwinning,
112 St John, Fisherrow,
313 St Baldred, North Berwick,
Year of
o^'SiteS' Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
1724
1736
1799
1757
1758
1761
1768
Crimson.
Blue— White Edge.
Green.
Light Blue.
Crimson — Gold Trim.
Crimson— Lt. Bl. Trim.
1825 Orange and Blue.
The Right Honoarable James Andrew, Lord Ramsay, now Marquess
of DalhoQsie, K.T., was appointed Provincial Grand Master of this Pro-
vince on 2d February 1836, which he resigned on 26th October 1850.
There has been no appointment since that period.
In 1736, the Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning was represented by
" William Stirling, of Herbertshire, Master, Alexander Neilson and
Mungo Graham, Wardens ;" and that of Aitchison*s Haven by "James
Crichtou, Master, James Rutherfoord and James Ramsay, Wardens."
The oldest record in possession of the Lodge St John Kilwianing,
Haddington, is dated 1599, which sets forth that a Lodge was opened in
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376 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Gullane Churcb, (pow in ruins,) upwards of seven miles from Hadding-
ton, but for what purpose cannot be made out, tho writing being so
illegible ; but it is Lighiy probable that it was for the Initiation of Candi-
dates, as subsequent Minutes bear that the Lodge was frequently opened
for that purpose in the Parish Church of Haddington.
IX. — RENFREWSHIRE, — WEST PROVINCE. — Erected 1826.
Frovincial Grand Master, — Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart,
Bart, M.P. ;
Appointed 7 th February 1848.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. wDati^S* Colour of aothlDg.
Charter.
12 Greenock Kilwinning, . 1728 Blue and Gold.
68 Doric Kilwinning, Port-Glasgow, 1767 Blue.
1 13 Mt.-Stewart Kilg., Greenock, {D&rmant,) 1768 Light Blue.
176 St John, Greenock, ... 1790 Bhie.
217 Cumberland Kilwinning, Port-Glasgow, 1807 Red.
LODGE FORMERLY EXISTING.
Grig.
Nou
282 6t Andrew, Crawford's Dyke.
The date of erection of the Province of Renfrew cannot now be pre-
cisely ascertained. On tbe 13th November 1772 a warrant was ordered
for its institution, " but," it is added, " the Secretary to inform himself
who are to be the persons named in tbe Constitution." Nothing defi-
nite, however, appears to have been done ; afterwards it is found con-
joined witb Dumbartonshire ; and on 6th February 1826 "it was stated
in Grand Lodge that Renfrewshire Province bad become vacant by the
death of Sir Michael Shaw Stewart, Bart.," the date of wfiose appoint-
ment does not appear in the Minutes of the Grand Lodge ; subsequently
the Province was divided into two, viz. — East and West — and on 5th
August 1839 John Shaw Stewart, Esq,, Sheriff of Stirlingshire, was
appointed Provincial Grand Master of the western portion. He was
succeeded by his brother, Patrick Maxwell Stewart, Esq., M.P., on
8th November 1841 ; his successor being the present Provincial Grand
Master, — which honour has been in the family of Stewart ever since
the institution of the Province.
The Lodge Greenock Kilwinning was represented in the first meeting
of the Grand Lodge by " Alexander Lindsay, Master, Andrew MarUn
and James Campbell, Wardens."
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THE HISTORY OF FRES MASONRY.
377
The Lodge Camberland Kilwinning, Port-Glasgow) was established
by Instrament of Constitution and Erection from the Mother Lodge of
Kilwinning, 4th February 1747, although the Charter from the Grand
Lodge of Scotland is only dated 2d February 1807.
X. — LINLITHGOWSHIRE PROVINCE. — Erected 1827.
Provincial Grand Mastership — Vacant.
No.
Name of Lodge.
' 13 Torphichen Kilwinning, Bathgate,
17 Ancient Brazen, Linlithgcwy
85 Kirknewton and Ratho,
181 Hopetoan, Bathgate,
270 Thistle, Weat-Calder, .
272 St John, Mid-Calder,
374 St John, Crofthead, Drybridge,
380 St Andrew, Drybridge,
rear of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
Colour of Clothing.
Crimson.
1737 Light Blue.
1761 . Crimson.
1792 Bine.
1818 Bloe— White Edge.
1818 Crimson— Bl. & YeL Br.
1856 Dark Blue.
1858 Dark Blue— Red Trim.
Grig.
No.
360 St Margaret, Queenafeny
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
62 Maddiaton
90 Pythagoric, Bo'neM
The first commission to a Provincial Grand Master of this Pro-
vince was issned in favour of William Downe Gillon, Esquire, of Wall-
house, M.P., in 1832, at whose decease the Honourahle Robert Sandi-
lands, Master of Torphichen, succeeded, conform to commission dated
November 30, 1846, which he held till 18.58, when his resignation, on
account of infirm health, was accepted by the Grand Lodge with much
regret. No successor has as yet been appointed.
XI. — FORFAR AND ANGUS PROViNOB. — Erected 1747.
Prcmncial Grand Master. — The Right Hon. Fox, Lord Panmure, K.T.,
(Representative of the Grand Lodge of Scotland at the Grand Lodge of England :)
Appointed 2d August 1852.
No.
Name of Lodge.
15 Montrose Kilwinning, .
40 St Thomas, Arbroath, .
47 Ancient Operative, Dundee,
49 Ancient, Dundee,
65 StonehaTen,
Tear of
Institntloi
or Date of
Charter.
^ Colour of Clothing.
1746
1740
Red— Blue Trimmings.
Crimson.
1746
Lt. Blue— Gold Lace.
1745
1765
Mazarene Bl.and Orange.
Blue.
25
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378
THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge.
Institutior
or Date of
Charter.
^ Colour of Clothing.
6S 81 Ninian, Brochin, .
1755
Green — Red Fringe.
78 St David, Dundee,
1769
Crimson — Gold lace.
99 Glammis
1765
Lijfht Blue.
101 St Vigean, Arbroath, .
1766
Light Blue.
119 St John, Johnshaven, .
1799
Red.
120 St Peter, Montrose,
1769
Green.
123 St James, Brechin,
Blue— Scarlet Trim.
136 St Laurence, Laurencekirk, .
1775
Green and Red.
158 Thistle Operative, Dundee, .
1785
Green— Yellow Fringe.
182 Incorporated Kilwinninpf, Montrose, 1792
Crimson.
225 Forfar and Kincardine, Dundee, 1808
Green and Gold.
254 Caledonian, Dundee,
1814
Crimson and Gold.
282 St Andrew, Lochlee, .
1819
Red— Green Edge.
286 Airlie, Kirriemuir,
1820
299 Panmure, Arbroath, .
1823
Crimson and White.
309 Lower, Forfar,
1824
Purple and Orange.
317 Caraperdown, Dundee, .
1826
Crimson— Lt. Drab Fr.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
Orig.
No.
No.
33 Bervlo
387 St Palladina, Anchenblae
114 Forfar Kilwinning
396 Harmony, Stonehaven
204 St Andrew, Strathmore
This Province was instituted on ISth August 1747^ and confirmed on
11th November following, as the Province of Forfar or Angus and
Aberdeen. The first Provincial Grand Master was either Provost
Robert Thomson or John Cuming, Esquire, but which of them does
not appear distinctly on the records. On 2d February 1756, David
Dalrymple. Esquire, Advocate, was appointed to the then vacant office.
A re-distribution of Districts having taken place, the Honourable
William Maule of Panmure (afterwards Lord Panmure) was appointed
Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Angus on 4th May 1801,
which he held till his death in 1852, when he was succeeded by his son,
the present Provincial Grand Master, on the 2d August of that year.
The Lodge Montrose Kilwinning was represented in 1736 by " Robert
Allison, Master, Charles Mack and Samnell Neilson, Wardens."
The Lodge " Dundee," which, by " Robert Strachaune, Master," signed
the charter in favour of Sir William St Clair, and took part also in the
first Grand Lodge by " John Young, Esq., Dep. Master for the Earle of
Home, Alexander Tait and Chalmers Lewis, Wardens," is supposed to
have been the Ancient Operative, No. 47, which asserts a traditional
antiquity of more than a thousand years. It also claims as one of its
ancient Masters David Earl of Huntingdon, to whom is ascribed the erec-
tion of a fine old cathedral, which was partly destroyed by fire in 1841.
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TOE HISTORY OP FREE MASOXRT. 379
XII. — DUMBARTON PROVINCE. — Erected 1837.
Provincial Grand Master, — Alexander Smollett^ Escjnire^
of Bonhill, M.P.;
Appointed 1840.
No. Name of Lodge.
18 St John Kilwinning, Dumbarton,
28 St John, Kirkintilloch,
39 Kilaytb, ....
147 Cadder, Argyle, Moodiesburn,
170 St John, Leven, Dambarton,
199 St Andrew, Cambemauld, .
384 A thole, Kirkintilloch,
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
Colour of Clothing.
1726
1735
Purple.
Crimson— Red Ed|(in^.
1740
Stew. Tar.,Wb., B.&R.Fr.
1777
1788
Red, Blue, and YeL Edge.
Green.
1797
Black. •
1858
Athole Tartan,
Y EXIBTINQ.
Orif.
No.
Orig.
No.
235 Denny and Loanhead 302 St Andrew Ito^al Arch, Bonhill
This Province was originallj conjoined with that of Renfrew, William
M 'Do wall, Esquire, of Garthland, M.P., being appointed in May 1801,
Provincial Grand Master of Dambarton and Renfrewshire ; afterwards it
was joined to Stirlingshire, for on 5th August 1822, Thomas Graham
Stirling, Esquire, of Airth, was appointed Provincial Grand Master of
the Province of Stirling and Dumbarton, vice Major Mayne, of Powis
Lodge, late Provincial Grand Master of Stirlingshire, deceased. On 13th
November 1837 it was erected into an independent Province, John
Cross Buchanan, Esquire, of Auchentoshan, being appointed to the
charge thereof, and was succeedod in 1840 by the present Provincial
Orand Master.
XIII. — FiFESHiBB PBOVINOB. — Erected 1745.
Provincial Orand Master. — ^John Whyte- Melville, Esq., of Bennochy
and Strathkinness ;
Appointed Ist August 1841.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. ot'dS^S Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
19 St John, Cupar-Fife, . . 1736 Dark Green.
25 St Andrew, St Andrews, . . 1736 light Blue and Silver.
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380 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Year of
No. Namo of Lodge.
i?Da?eo" Colour of CIothiBg.
Charter.
26 St John, Dunfermline,
1736
White— Crimson Edging.
35 St John, Falkland,
1737
Blue— Red Border.
60 St John, Inverkeithing,
1764
Dark Blue— Orange Trim.
72 Kirkaldy,
1768
Dark Blue.
77 St Rejfulus, Cupar- Fife,
1769
Claret— Silver Edging.
91 Elgin, Leven, ....
1763
Dark Blue and Red.
106 Lindoree, Newburgh, .
1767
Orange and Blue.
121 St Cyre, Anchtermuchty, .
1770
172 St Brice, Kirkaldy, .
1789
Light Blue.
185 St Adrian, Pittenweem,
1819
Emerald Green.
260 Union, Dunfermline, .
1813
Blue— Scarlet Trim.
304 King Robert deBmce, Anchtermuchty, 1823
Royal Blue— Red Edging.
327 St Serff, Kinross, ....
1829
Mazarene Blue.
386 Minto, Lochgelly,
1858
Crimson.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
Orig.
No.
No.
51 Dysart
181 Oswald of Dunnikler
105 St Andrew, Crail
SOO Eden Operaifye, Strathmiglo
107 Ceres
317 St Michael, Lcuohars
118 St Leonard, Kinghom
831 Thane of Fife
119 St Ayle. Anatrather
344 Tay Union, Ferry-Port-on-Craig
145 St Mungo, Royal Arch, Culroes
On 7tb AngUBt 1745 Alexander Melville, Esquire, of Balgarvie was
appointed Provincial Grand Master of the Lodges within the County
of Fife, which, in 3747, numbered only five, viz. — " Coupar-in-Fife,
St Andrews, Dunfermline, Dysart, and Falkland." On 2d February
1756, John Cunningham, Esquire, younger, of Balbougie, was ap-
pointed Provincial Grand Master, and the Lodge Inverkeithing was
at the same time added to those above-named. On SOth November
1801, General Sir James St Clair Erskine, Bart, (afterwards Earl of
Rosslyn), was appointed to take charge of this now large, influential,
and important Province, and on 30th November 1838, George William,
Earl of Rothes, succeeded, vice the Earl of Rosslyn, deceased. The Earl
of Rothes received, in 1840, the highest honours the Brethren could
confer, being, on St Andrew's Day of that year, elected Grand Master
Mason of Scotland, and whose death, in the year following, threw a
gloom over the whole Scottish fraternity. He was succeeded in the
Provincial Grand Mastership by John Whyte-Melville, Esquire,* the
present Depute Grand Master.
^ The Grand Lodge, in 1841, divided this Province into the Eastern and
Western Districts, and Brother Whyte-Melvillo was appointed, on 8th Novem>
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 381
The majority of the Lodges of this Province are of a very old stand-
ing, three of them having been present at the meeting of the Grand
Lodge in 1736, viz. — *' Coupar-of-Fyfe/' represented by " Doctor John
Moncrief, Master, John Ross and John Sheen, Wardens ;" " Dam-
fermling, " represented by " Captain Arthur Forbes, Master, Baillie
Charles Chalmers and Henry Findlay, Wardens ;" " Kirkcaldie," re-
presented by " William Baxter, Master, James Wylie and Alexander
White, Wardens ;" and appended to the Charter in favour of William
St Clair we find the following : —
Dumfermlinff — Robert Pest
Thomas Weir mason in Edr. Thomas Robertsoun wardane of the
Ludge of DuNFERMLiNG and Sanct Androis and takand the burd-
ing upon him for the brethren of the Mason Craft within they
Lwdges and for the Commissioners efter mentionat, viz. David
Skowgall Alexander Gilbert and David Spens for the Lwdge of
Sanct Androis Andrew Alisons and Archibald Angous Commis-
sionaris for the Lwdge of Dwmfermling and Robert Baize of
Haddington with our handis led on the pen be the notaris under-
written at our commandis because we can nocht write.
Ita est Laurentius Robesoun notarius publicus ad pnemissa requisitus
de specialibus mandatis diet, personarum scribere nescien ut aseruerunt
testan. mann mea propria
[Ita est] Henricus Banna[tyne] connotarius ad premissa [de man-
datis] antedictarum personarum [scribere nescientium ut aparuerunt
teste] manu mea propria
And to that granted to Sir William St Clair, about twenty-six or
twenty-eight years afterwards we have again :
The Lvdge of Dunfenrdingty
(Robert Alisone, one of the Masters of Duiifermling.)
ber 1841, Provincial Grand Master of the Eastern part of the county only ;
Brother George Walker- Arnott, of Arlary, LL.D., Professor of Botany io the
University of Glasgow, being appointed, of the same date, to the Western
part of the Province \ this division being found inconvenient, the commission
of the latter was recalled on Ist August 1842, when Brother Whyte-Melville
was appointed Provincial Grand Master of the whole Province.
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382
THE HISTORY OF FREE HA80NRY.
XIV.— LANABKSHTBE, TTPPEft WARD TROYINCB,— Erected 1801.
Provincial Grand Master, — William Edward Hope- Verb, Esq., of
Craigiehall and Blackwood ;
Appointed 30th November 1857.
Year of
No. Kame o# Lodge.
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
Colour of Clothing.
20 St John, Lesmahagow,
1736
Blue.
21 Old St John, Lanark, .
1736
Blue— Red Edging.
118 St Bride, Douglas,
1769
Green.
167 Free Operatives, Bigger,
1786
Blue.
187 St John, Carluke,
1794
Green.
236 St John, Wilsonton Iron Works,
1810
Blue— While Edging.
244 Union, Stonehouse,
1812
Blue— Crimson Edging.
248 Lockbart, St John, Carnwath,
1812
Blue— White Edging.
306 St Thomas, Larkhall, .
1823
Crimson— Blue Edging.
326 Clydesdale, Lanark,
1828
Green.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
Orig
No.
No.
M Lanark Kilwinning
153 Leamahagov
379 St David, New Lanark
On 4th May 1801, Lord Archibald Hamilton was appointed Provincial
Grand Master of this district, which was divided into two in 1816, viz. —
the Upper and Middle Ward Provinces, Daniel Vere, Esquire, of Stone-
byres, being appointed in that year to the Provincial Grand Mastership
of the Upper, vice Lord Archibald Hamilton transferred to that of
the Middle Ward. On a vacancy occarring. Sir Charles Macdonald
Lockbart of Lee and Camwarth, Bart., was appointed thereto on 5th
November 1 827^ and at his death was succeeded by the Marquess of
Douglas and Clydesdale, now Duke of Hamilton, in November 1833 ;
upon his transference, also to the Middle Ward, in 1838, Sir Norman
Macdonald Lockbart of Lee, <&c., succeeded to the office, at whose
decease his kinsman, William Lockbart, Esquire, of Milton-Lockhart,
M.P., was appointed in 1849, and worthily held the honour until his
death in 1857. The present Provincial Grand Master is thus the 7th
within the present century.
The Lodges ^ Lesmahaggow," (St John, No. 20, above,) '' St Brides
at Douglas," "Lanark," (Old St John, No. 21, above,) and " Biggar,"
(Free Operatives,) were all present by their representatives in the Grand
Loilge in 1736 ; St John, Lesmahagow, being represented by " Robert
Blessit, Master, David Bosuall and Peter Campbell, Wardens," St Bride
by "John Douglass, Master, Thomas Allan and John Oswald, Wardens,"
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 383
Old St .lohn, Lanark, by " Sir William Baillie, Master, George Bull and
Henry Hepburn, Wardens," and " Biggar" by Thomas Trotter, Master,
John Nisbet and Hew Penman, Wardens."
XV. — BERWICK AND ROXBURaH PROVINCE.* — Erected 1827.
PravincicU Grand Mastership, — Vacant.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. o? Date of* Colour of aothlng.
Charter.
23 Dunse, .
58 Kelso, .
132 St Luke, Lauder, .
261 Tweed, Kelso,
280 St John, Coldstream,
1736 Green— Gold Lace.
1772 Sky Blue.
1816 Mazarcne Blue.
1819 Light Blue.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orlg. Orig.
No. No.
lao St John, Jedhnrgh 303 Beaumont, Yetholm
243 St Andrew, Jedburgh
This Province, at one time conjoined with that of Peebles and Selkirk,
was erected into an independent one in 1827, the first Provincial Grand
Master being Brother Hay of Dunse Castle, appointed November 30,
1829. Nothing farther occurs in the Minutes regarding it until 1836,
when Admiral Sir David Milne of Milnegraden, K.C.B., was appointed
to the Provincial Grand Mastership on the 30th November of that year.
On 1st February 1847 John Campbell Renton, Esquire, of Mordington,
succeeded to the honour vacant by the death of Admiral Sir David
Milne. No successor has yet been appointed to Brother Renton, who
died in 1855.
The Lodge "Dunse" was represented in 1736 by "David Home,
Master, William Robertson and Robert M'Clollan, Wardens." Its
records go as far back as 1728.
The Lodges, though few in number, sustain in the most creditable
manner the interests of the Craft in this classic portion of the kingdom.
^ There is a Lodge in Melrose with a Charter said to be dated in the early
part of the 12th century, whose office-bearers it is uverred have in their cus-
tody books and records going back for nearly the last 300 years. This is the
only Lodge in Scotland not in connection with the Grand Lodge. See. also
page 250 of this Volome, supra.
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384 THE HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY.
XVI. — PEBBLES AND SELKIRK PROVINCE. — Erected 1747-
Provincial Grand Master. — William Forbes Mackenzie^ Esquire, of
Portmore ;
Appointed 4th February 1839.
Year of
No. Nam© of Lodge. o?Dit"S? Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
^4 Peebles Kilwinning, 1736 Light Blue.
216 Stow, . . . 1806 Blua
362 St John, Galashiels, 1816 Blue -Crimson Border.
lodges formerly existing.
Oiig. Orig.
No. No*
35 St J6hh^ Selkirk 141 Hawick
65 Cumberland Kilwinning, Peebles
John Murray, Esquire, Keeper of the Minute- Book of the Court of
Session, was appointed in 1747 Provincial Grand Master of '' Peebles,
&c.," and was succeeded in 1756 by James Lidderdale, Esquire, Collec-
tor of Excise at Kelso. In 1801 George Douglas, Esquire, of Cavers,
was appointed Provincial Grand Master of " Peebles, Selkirk, <kc.," at
whose death William, 6th Marquess of Lothian, K.T., succeeded on 8th
May 1815 as Provincial Grand Master of " Peebles, Selkirk, Roxburgh,
and Berwick." In 1827 a re-distribution of Lodges took place, when
John Hay, Esquire, younger of Hayston, &c., was appointed to the Pro-
vincial Grand Mastership of Peebles and Selkirkshires only, which he
held until his death in 1838.
The Lodge " Peebles" (Kilwinning), was represented in 1736 by
" James Hay, Master, Robert Hay and Samnell Todd, Wardens," and
St John, " Selkrig," by " Thomas Milln, Master, Robert Douglass and
George Keir^ Wardens."
The Lodges of this ancient Province enjoy a high degree of prosperity,
which is doubtless owing in no small degree to the advantages derived
from recent railway communication, and the consequent rising importance
of the places in which the Lodges are situated. In Peebles a great change
has taken place within a very few years, and the last occasion on which
the Lodges of this district assembled in the town of that ancient and
royal burgh will be indelibly inscribed in her annals, viz. — the Keying of
the New Bridge across Eddlestone Water, and laying the Foundation-
stone of the Great Hall of the Chambers Institution.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 385
XYII.— STIRLINQSHIEB PROVINCE. — Efectect 1745.
Provincial Grand Master, — Sir A. C. Maitland Gibson-Maitland,
of Clifton Hall, Bart;
Appoioted 5th Au^^ust 1850.
No. Name of Lodg<e^
Year of
wSate of Colour of ClotUng.
Charter.
30 Ancient, Stirling,
69 St John, AUoa, ....
76 Royal Arch, Stirling, .
195 Caledonian St John, R.A., Caropsie,
312 Brace and Thistle, Bannockbnrn,
391 Zetland, Grangemouth,
1708 Light Blue.
1757 Light Bine.
1769
1796 Tartan, Bl. and Bl. Edge
1824 Dark Bine.
1859 Red and Bnff.
lodges FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
Orijf.
No.
19 Falkirk
138 Corron
213 Munisburgh, Kilsyth
247 Lennox Kilwinning, Gampeie
240 OperatiTO, Falkirk
On 6th February 1745 it is recorded that " John Callander of Craig-
forth is appointed Provincial Grand Master for Stirling, and other
Lodges in that part of the country, for the ensuing year, and thereafter,
nntil another be named in his place, with the ordinary powers." The
names of Sir Alexander Dalmahoy of that Ilk, and Sir Alexander Hope
of Carse, occur afterwards in connection with the office, but regarding
either of whom nothing farther is recorded. On Ist February 1802
Major Mayne of Powis Lodge was appointed to the vacant chair, at
Whose death in 1822, Thomas Graham Stirling, Esquire, of Airth, was
appointed Provincial Grand Master of Stirling and Dumbarton, his
successor, for Stirling Province only, being Colonel the Honourable
George R. Abercromby, afterwards Lord Abercromby, appointed 1st
August 1836, and resigned in 1850. On the 5th August of that year
the present Provincial Grand Master received the appointment, and was
formally installed into office in 1852.
The Lodge Ancient, Stirling, reference to whose antiquity has been
made on several occa^ons throughout this volume, claims to be the
representative of that body of Masons who were engaged in the con-
struction of Cambuskenneth Abbey, founded by David I, in 1147.
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386
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The Lodge St Johui AUoa^ is an offshoot from the Lodge Ancient,
offshoot, however, of a very considerable growth, as it completed
its first centenary on the 14th November 1857, which was celebrated
by a banqnet, presided over by the Provincial Grand Master, and
attended by deputations from the Lodges Ancient, Stirling ; Bruce and
Thistle, Bannockbum ; St Clair, Edinburgh, &c.
The Lodge Falkirk, though long since extinct, took part in the meet-
ing of the first Grand Lodge, being represented on that occasion by
'* Michael Bruce, Master, Robert Mirrie and William Walker, Wardens.'*
It is farther worthy of note that it was the Lodge which recommended
the Petition of the Lodge St Andrew, Boston, Massachusetts, for a
Charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, from whom it at first held.
This Lodge celebrated in the city of Boston, on St Andrew's Day 1855,
their first centennial anniversary, when the Grand Lodge was i*epre-
sented by special invitation, as mentioned on page 312, supra.
xviii. — ABERDEEN, CITY PROVINCE. — Erected 1827.
Provincial Grand Master. — Alexander Hadden, Esquire of Perseley;
Appointed 2d November 1846.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge.
Inititution
or Date of
Charter.
Colour of Clothing.
34 Aberdeen, ....
1670
Light Blue.
54 St Machar, Aberdeen, .
1753
Light Blue.
93 St Nicholas, „
1763
Green.
110 St Andrew, „
1768
Royal Stuart Tartan.
150 Operative, Aberdeen, .
1781
Blue— Green Fringe.
164 Old Aberdeen,
1786
Blue.
190 St George, Aberdeen, .
1794
Bed.
375 Neptune, „
1856
Dark Blue.
lodges po
RMERLY EXISTING.
Grig.
Orlg.
No.
No.
18U 8t Luke, Gilconuton
318 6t Peter, Aberdeen
223 St James, Aberdeen
aw St Machar. Woodslde
The Lodges in the Aberdeen City Province, though only erected
into an independency on the 5th February 1827, had previonsly been
mixed up in a great degree with those in Forfarshire; thus, in 1747, the
Lodge Aberdeen appears therein ; and on the appointment of a new Pro-
vincial Grand Master for the Forfar, &c., district, in 1756, the Lodge St
Machar is inter alia added to those formerly under his jurisdiction ; in
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THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY. Q387
point of fact, all that has been already said relative to the Province of
Forfar is applicable to the T?hole of Aberdeenshire up to 1827.
The first Provincial Grand Master was the well-known Thomas
Bnmet, Esquire, Advocate, appointed 5th February 1827, for a long
period of years Secretary and Purse-bearer to the respective Lord High
Commissioners to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; his
successor in 1834 being William Watson, Esquire, the highly esteemed
Sheriff-Substitute of Aberdeenshire, and whose name is widely known
and inseparably connected with the institution of Ragged Schools ; he
having resigned the office, Louis Crombie, Esquire, younger of Phesdo,
was appointed on 4th November 1 839, and was succeeded on 2d Novem-
ber 1846 by the present Provincial Grand Master, with whose efficient
rule the Grand Master, on the occasion of his visit in 3851 to the
Lodges in this Province, expressed himself highly satisfied.
As will be seen by the dates given above, nearly all the Lodges
are of an ancient standing, some of them even claiming a more remote
one than that here allotted to them, the most prominent being No. 34,
which has been referred to on page 84 supra, and which, on 30th No-
vember 1743, was granted precedence in the Grand Roll from 1736, on
which occasion it was represented by " The Right Honourable The
Earle of Kintore, Master, David Maul] and Robert Biggar, Wardens.*'
XIX. — ELGIN AND MORAY PROVINCE. — Erected 1827.
Provincial Grand Master. — Georqe Skene Duff, Esquire, M.P. ;
Appointed 8th November 1852.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. ot'dS" of ^olo"' <>' Clothing.
Charter.
37 St John Operative, Forres, . 1739 Green.
45 Kilmollymock, Elgin, 1744 Dark Green.
144 St Lawrence, Forres, . . 1777
148 Trinity, Elgin, .... 1777 Light Blue.
193 St John Operative, Rothes, . 1795 Light Blue.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig. Orig.
No. No.
312 Granton Cralgellaohle 367 St Jamee, Archiestown, Knockendo
326 St John Operatire, Charleston, Aberlour 314 St Ninian Operative, Nairn
Though erected on 5th November 1827, there was no appointment to
the Provincial Grand Mastership until 30th November 1833, when Sir
Thomas Dick-Laudcr of Fountainhall and Grange, Bart., was chosen
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388 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Provincial Grand Master thereof, which office he resigned on being
appointed Substitute Grand Master on 30 th November 1838, the Bight
Honourable Fox Maule (now Lord Panmure) being his successor, but
which he also resigned, on 30th July 1852, on his transference to the Pro-
vince of Forfar, and his accession to the family titles and estates. The
present Provincial Grand Master succeeded as above stated. It is to be
hoped that the laudable and steady coarse hitherto pursued, frec^uently
in the face of many difficulties, by the Lodges in this and the other
Provinces in the North of Scotland, now that railway communication
has made them more accessible to the public generally, will meet with
that encouragement and success which they well merit.
XX. ORKNEY AND ZETLAND PROVINCE. — Erected 1747-
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. S^Sitio? Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
38-' Kirkwall Eilwinning, Kirkwall, . 1740 Ikfazarene Blue.
69 Morton's, Lerwick, Zetland, . 1762 Green.
LODGE FORMERLY EXISTINQ.
Orlg.
No.
237 St Paul, KIrkwaU
In 1747 Andrew Boss, Esquire, Stewart-Depute of Orkney, was
appointed Provincial Grand Master over " the Lodges of Kirkwall in
Orkney." In November 1801 Sir George S. Mackenzie of Coul, Bart.,
was appointed Provincial Grand Master of ''Orkney and Caithness,"
and the Grand Lodge, on the 1st of February 1802, sanctioned the
transference of several Lodges from the district of Inverness, with con-
sent of the Provincial Grand Master thereof, to that of Orkney and
Caithness. Sir George having resigned, Colin Mackenzie, Esquire of
Kilcoy, was appointed his successor on 1st May 1826 as Provincial
Grand Master for " Orkney, Ross, and Cromarty." On 1st February
1847 Sir Evan Mackenzie of Kilcoy, Bart., succeeded, under the title
of Provincial Grand Master of Ross and Cromarty, which see, page 392,
antea.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 389
XXI. — WIGTON AND KIRKCUDBRIGHT PROVINCE. — Erected 1747.
Provincial Grand Master. — The Hon. John, Viscount Dalrymple ;
Appointed 8Ui May 1848.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. q, D J[q ^f * Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
41 St Cnthbert, Kirkcndbright, 1741 Light Blue.
161 St Stephen, Gatehoase-of-Fleet, . 1785 Green and Gold.
162 St John, Newabbey, 1785 Blue and Orange.
323 St Mary, Kirkcodbright, 1827 Green and White.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orfg. Orig-
No. No.
122 St Bernard Kilwinning 8B3 St John, Castlo-Donglas
126 Wigton Kilwinning 273 Stranraer Kilwinning
183 St Andrew, Creebridge 296 St David, Kirkpatriok-Dorham
245 Union, Newton-Douglas 374 St John, New Galloway
248 St Thomas, Whithorn
Tliis Province was originally classed nnder the head of '' West
Country Lodges." In 1747 it was erected into a separate district by
the title of the Province of " Kirkcadbright, &c.," under the care of
Collector Mollison, Provincial Grand Master of the " West of Scot-
land Lodges.." Nothing further regarding its history appears from
the Minutes of the Grand Lodge until 6th May 1833, when a petition
was presented from the Lodges in the Province of Wigton and Kirkcud-
bright, praying for the appointment of a new Provincial Grand Master,
in room of Sir Alexander Gordon, deceased, of whose election, however,
no record exists. Difficulties seem to have arisen as to his successor, as
nothing was done until 8th May 1848, when the present Provincial
Grand Master, then John Dalrymple, Esquire, M.P., was appointed to
the vacant office.
XXII. — ABGTLBSHIRB AND THB ISLES PROVINCE. — Erected 1801 .
Provincial Grand Master. — Walter Frederick Campbell, Esquire, of
Shawfield ;
Appointed 30th November 1838.
Tear of
Na Name of Lodge. ^Da"eS Colonr of Clothing.
Charter.
60 St John, Inverary, 1747 Bine.
141 St John, Camphelton, . 1776 Light Blue.
292 St John, Rothesay, . 1821 Dk. BL— Ed. with Lt. BL
336 Argyll, Dnnoon, .... 1834 Argyll Tartan.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
65 Campbelton
96 St Colamlras
155 St Kilda, Portrce
243 Commercial, Oban
Orig.
No.
SM-' St Brooks. Rotheny
S85 St Martin, Argyle
365 Limb and Arroohar
36S Duke of HamOton's Airan Castle
Colonel Campbell, younger, of Shawfield, was appointed the first
Provincial Grand Master of this widely extended district in 1801, and
at his death was succeeded on 5th May 1815 by Reginald Macdonald,
Esquire, of StafTa, afterwards Sir Reginald Macdonald Stewart Seton,
Bart. ; the present Provincial Grand Master succeeding on SOth Novem-
ber 1838, on the death of Sir Reginald. The Lodges in this and the
following Province were at first comprehended under the title of *' West
Country Lodges."
XXIII. — DUMFBiBSSHiRK PROVINCE. — Erected 1756.
Fravincial Grand Master. — John Stewart, Esquire, of Nateby Hall ;
Appointed 2d August 1852.
No.
Name of Lodge.
53 Dumfries Eilwioning, (SutpendedJ
62 Thifitle, Dnnifries,
63 St Michael Kilwinning, Dumfries,
79 Si Andrew, Annan,
100 St Magdalene, Lochmaben, .
107 Eskdale Kilwinning, Langholm,
140 Operative, Dumfries, .
234 St Peter, Mousewald, .
238 Caledonian, Annan,
252 St John, Thomhill,
258 QuhytwooUen, Lockerby,
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
1760
1754
1755
1760
1766
1767
1776
1810
1811
1814
1815
Colour of Clothing.
Light Blue.
Dark Blue^ White Edg.
Dark Blue.
Green — Pink Border.
Blue and White.
Red — with Blue Border.
Dk. Blue— Li. Blue Trim.
Crimson — Gold Fringe.
42d Tartan- White Edge.
Dark Blue.
Blue— Red Border.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
1» St Paul, NithBdale
120 Hartfell, Moffat
179 St Andrew, Dumfries
105 Sanqnliar, Kilwinning
Orig.
No.
S04 Union, Dumfries
2S5-2 St Kuth, RuthweU
336 8t Orwald, Langholm
Andrew Crosbie, Esquire, was appointed Provincial Grand Master of
the *' Dumfries District" on 2d February 1756, and was succeeded on
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
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2d May 1785 by Alexander FergassoD, Esqaire, of Craigdarroch, the
commission styling him Provincial Grand Master of the Southern Dis-
trict of Scotland. At his death Brother Campbell of Fairfield was
appointed on 30th November 1796, whose transference to Ayrshire
occasioned a vacancy, which was filled on 4th May 1801 by the appoint-
ment of Francis Sharpe, Esquire of Hoddam, to the Provincial Grand
Mastership of " Dumfriesshire." On 2d August 1813, Major William
Miller succeeded, vice Sharp, deceased ; Major Miller's successor being
John Babington, Esquire, of Summerville, of the Honourable East India
Company's Service, appointed on 7th November 1837, and died in
1852, in which year the present Grand Master was appointed.
The Lodge Caledonian, Annan, No. 238, is in possession of " Burns'
Mason Punch Bowl," which was purchased at the sale of the Poet's
effects by the late Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esquire, the celebrated
antiquarian.
XXIV. — ABEEDBENSHiRB, — EAST PROVINCE. — Erected 1827.
No.
Name of Lodge.
66 Keith, Peterhead,
67 Forbes, Rosehearty,
Year of
S Date o? Colo" of Clothing.
Charter.
1754 Blue.
1756 Bine.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
72 Huntly
306 St Anthony, Inverury
963 Solomon, Fraserburgh
2S7 Fraaerhorgh Freemasons
Orig.
No: >
827 6t Jamea, Peterhead
338 Fraser's, Striohen
3S4 Ellon, Aberdeenshire
381 St Paul, Geometrical, Huntly
This Province^ although instituted on 5th November 1827, had no
Provincial Grand Master appointed to it until the dd February 1834,
when Lieutenant Colonel Sir Andrew Leith Hay, M.P., received the
Commission, with the usual powers, but as he never acted upon it, the
appointment is in abeyance, the Lodges meanwhile recognising the
jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Master of West Aberdeenshire.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
XXV. — Roxburgh Province, ( Vide page 383, supra.)
XXVI. — ROSS AND CROMARTY PROVINCE. — Erected 1847.
Provincial Grand Master, — Sir Evan Mackenzie, of Kilcoy, Bart. ;
Appointed Ist February 1847.
No.
Name of Lodge
Year of
'o^SSte Sf Colo^ of Clothing.
Charter.
1761 Green.
1767 Light Blue.
1773 Sky Blue.
1826 Blue— Silver Edging.
82 St Duthus, Tain, ....
108 Fortrose, Stomoway,
134 Robertson's, Cromarty,
318 Fingal, Dingwall,
Though erected so late as 1st February 1847 into an independent
Province, its existence in connection with others dates from the beginning
of the present century. Thus, in 1801, it was incorporated with Inver-
ness and Elgin, and in 1826 with that of Orkney and Zetland. Since
its erection it has been under the superintendence of its present Pro-
vincial Grand Master.
XXVII. — RENFREWSHIRE, — BAST PROVINCE. — Erected 1826.
Provincial Grand Master, — Sir John Maxwell of PoUok, Bart ;
Appointed 6th February 1826.
No. Name of Lodge.
116 Royal Arch, Rutherglen,
129 St Mirrin, Paisley,
153 Royal Arch, Pollokshaws,
156 St Barchan, Kilbarchan,
242 Houston, St Johnstone,
347 St John Operative, Ruthei*glen,
370 Renfrew County Kilwinniog,
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
1769
1772
1783
1784
1811
1846
1855
Colour of Clothing.
Red and Blue.
Blue — Purple Fringe.
Crimson.
Blue — Red Fringe.
Crimson.
Crimson & Waterloo Blue.
Green.
LODQES FORMERLY EXISTINQ.
Orig.
No.
130 Montgomery Kilwinning, Eaglesham
175 St James, Paisley
193 Prince of Wales, Renfrew
2S&-1 Royal Aroh, Paisley
S7a St Winnock, Oarthland
Orig.
No.
280 St Andrew, Paisley
308 St John, Erakine and Paisley
334 Thistle and Crown, Neilston
378 Union and Crown, Barrhead
386 St John, Paisley
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 303
Renfrewshire, as a Province, has been in existence since 1772, prior
to which date — and in fact, up to 1801, when it was known by the
designation of the Dumbarton and Renfrew Proyince — ^it was nnder the
superintendence of the Brethren, for the time being, who had the over-
sight of what was vaguely termed " The West Country Lodges." In
1826 it was divided into the Eastern and Western Districts, on which
occasion the present Provincial Grand Master, then John Maxwell, Esquire,
younger of Pollok, M.P., was appointed to the newly created office.
xxYiii. — BANFFSHIRE PROVINCE. — Erected 1801.
Provincial Grand Master. — James, 5th Earl op Fife ;
Appointed (as James Dutf, Esq., M.P.,) 8th May 1848.
Tear of
No. Name of Lodge. l^DatoolT Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
52 St Andrew, Banff, 1749 Blue.
92 St John, Operative, Banff, . 1764 Crimson, Black Edge.
224 Innocents, Cullen, 1808 Blue and Yellow.
LODGES formerly EXISTING.
Orlg. Orlg.
No. No.
806 H'DniT, St James 335 Fife Geometrioal, Keith
260 St James, Operatiye, Keith 358 St Andrew, Tomantoal
262 St Stephen, Portsoy 360 St James, Dufftown
The first Provincial Grand Master of this District was the Most
Honourable George, 9th Marquess of Huntly, K.T., Premier Marquess
of Scotland, and was succeeded, on 5th November 1827, by the Right
Honourable James, 4th Earl of Fife, — his successor being his nephew,
then James Duff, Esquire, M.P. for Banffshire, who succeeded to the
Earldom in 1857.
The Lodge St Andrew, Banff, is in possession of the first minute-book
of the Lodge, dated December 27, 1708. It contains 140 pages, 32 of
which have only been written on however, although it records the pro-
ceedings from 1708 to 1727 ; and as its length is only six inches, and its
breadth scarcely three, it can readily be supposed that it contains no
extraneous matter or redundant sentences, but goes right to the point at
once. Some of it is extremely well written, one or two signatures to
several of the Minutes being perfect gems of the handwriting of the
period. There is a tradition that in the early days of the Lodge's exist*
ence it used to meet in the Clayholes, on a cliff near Banff.
26
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394 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
XXIX. — ABERDEENSHIRE, — WEST PROVINCE. — Erected 1827-
Provincial Grand Master. — The Most Honourable Charles Gordon,
Marquess op Huntly ;
Appointed (as Earl of Aboyne) on 6th February 1849.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. or'pat^o? Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
267 St Andrew, Glenkindy . . 1814 Tartan
269 St Nathalan, TnllicIP-in-Mar, . 1816 Yollow— Scarlet Trim.
281 Charleston of Aboyne, . 1819 Blue— Yellow Fringe.
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig. OHg.
No. No.
205 St Andrew, Inch Garrioch 372 St George, Skene
342 St John, New Maohar 373 St Dardlne, Finzean
366 St Mary, Kennethmont
Though instituted on .5th November 1 827, no appointment followed
until the above date.
Reference has been so fully made on page 289, supra, to the posses-
sion by the Lodge St Nathalan^ Tullich-in-Mar, of Marshal Soult's
Masonic Diploma, that nothing farther need be said in this place, unless
it were to remark that nothing could exceed the brotherly and courteous
terms in which the correspondence relative to its restoration was earned
on by the Office-bearers of the Lodge, nor, upon cause being shown, the
alacrity with which the request of the Grand Lodge was complied with,
and there can be no doubt but that, had the veteran soldier been spared
to pen a reply, it would have been such as the Brethren of St Nathalan
would have regarded as one of the most precious of their muniments.
XXX, — CAITHNESS PROYiNCB. — Erected 1747.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. or Date ^^ Colour of Clothing.
Charter.
284 St Peter, Thurso, 1820
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orlg. Orig.
No. No,
46 St John, Thurso 262 St Fergus, Wick
This Province was erected on 11th November 1747, the first, and in
act only Provincial Grand Master thereof, being William Budge, Esquire,
Writer to the Signet. Practically, it, as well as that of Orkney and
Zetland, are under the superintendence of the Provincial Grand Master
of Ross and Cromarty.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 895
LODGES ABROAD.
Grand Master of Scottish Free Masons in India, dec. — James Burnes^
D.C.L., F.R.S., Knight of the Royal Hanoveriaa Gaelphio Order.
BENGAL presidency. — Eostem India Province.
Year of
No. Name of Lodge. 'or'Slte^
Charter.
371 St David-in the-East, Calcntta, .... 1855
389 St PauJ, Mhow, 1868
BOMBAY PRESIDENCY. — Westem India Frovinoe,
Provincial Grand Master. — Hy. Durance Cartwright, Esq., Bombay;
Appointed 7th May 1855.
Year of
No. N«ne.fl,c4g* Jf^S'^
Charter.
342 Rising Star of Western India, Bombay, . . 1844
343 St Andrew-in-theEast, Poonah, .... 1844
350 Hope, Knrrachee, (Precedence from 25th April 1842,) 1847
351 Perseverance, Bombay, (Precedence from 27th Dec. 1842,) 1847
363 Yictoria, Belgaum, .
ARABIA.
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
365 Felix, Aden, 1850
No. Name of Lodge.
The great saccess which has attended Scottish Masoniy in Indii^
and Dependencies is undoubtedly in a great degree attributable to the
unwearied zea], great erudition, and popular manners of the first ap-
pointed Provincial Grand Master, the Chevalier Bnmes.
His appointment on 30th November 1836, the day on which th^
first Centeuary of the existence of The Grand Lodge of Scotland wa^
celebrated, has been already mentioned in Chapter XII, page 219,
supra. His Commission of that date, gave him jurisdiction over the
Provinces of Western India and Dependencies only ; but on 24th
August 1846, on the retiral of the 8th Marquess of Tweeddale from the
Provincial Grand Mastership of the Eastern Provinces of India, it was, on
account of his Masonic services, extended over the three Presidencies,
including Aden, with the title of Grand Master of Scottish Free- Masons
in India, — which Commission he still retains.
A brief Memoir of a Brother so distinguished in Masoniy, will no
doubt be welcome to the Craft in general, and will, it is certain, bo
hailed with satisfaction by the Brethren in our Eastern Empire.
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396 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Brother Barnes is the son of a gentleman well known in Scotland as a
late ProYost of Montrose, and an active Magistrate of the county of Forfar.
His great-grandfather, a Town-Councillor of the same bnrgh, was elder
brother of William Barnes, the father of Scotland's immortal Poet ; and
his grandfather was the relation to whom the unfortunate Bard appealed,
and not in vain, for pecuniarj relief when on his death-bed.
Brother Bumes was educated at the University of Edinburgh, and
Guy's and St Thomas's Hospitals in London, and arrived at Bombay in the
Company's Service, with his brother, the late Sir Alexander, on the 3 1st
October 1821.
After being successively attached to the Artillery at Matoonga ; the
Convalescent Hospital at Severndroog ; the 5th Regiment Madras
Native Infantry at Malliganm ; and the 24th Regiment N. I. at Bassa-
dore j he was posted in February 1823 to the 18th Regiment N. I.,
stationed at Bombay, where he was also selected to superintend the
Institution for the check of Cholera. In 1824, the honourable appoint-
ment of Surgeon to the Residency in Cutch having been offered by Mr
Elphinstone for competition, as a reward to Medical Officers who would
pass in the native language, Brother Bumes was the one of five candi-
dates who was successful.
In 1825, he accompanied, as a volunteer, the field force and detach-
ments which expelled the Scindians and other plunderers who had in-
vaded and devastated Cutch, forcing the British Brigade to retire to the
Hill fort of Bhooj. In 1827 the Ameers of Scinde, between whom and
our Government a very uncordial feeling had subsisted for years, unex-
pectedly solicited his services, and sent an Envoy to invite him to their
capital, where he remained several months. He afterwards published
a Narrative of his Visit, for which he received the thanks of the Govern-
ment, the Commander-in-Chief pronouncing it a most valuable addition
to the geography of India. The Government of Bombay directed it to
be presented to the Royal Asiatic Society through Sir John Malcolm ;
circulated to public servants ; and printed at the expense of the State.
The Narrative of a Visit to Scinde drew from the Geographical Society
of France a declaration that he had deserved well of Geography.
In 1829 Brother Bumes married Sophia, daughter of the late Major-
General Sir George Holmes, K.C.B.
In 1830 the same reputation in the North -West frontier, which had
induced the Ameers of Scinde to invite and welcome Brother Bumes to
their capital, led to the Catch Regency bringing his conduct and services
specially to the notice of Government, with a request that they might
have the power to remunerate them. He had now been nearly five
years in that lately conquered and distracted country ; and such was
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. SOT
the feeliDg towards him, that the Resideut reported, in the words of the
Gutch Govemment, that " there was no one of any class or rank who
would not, if sick, reckon upon his services at midnight.'*
Nearly of the same date is a GoYernment letter to the Resident at
Bhooj, passing a high eulogy on Brother Burnes's History of Cutch, which
has since been published along with his Narrative, and may be found in
a compressed form in the last edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
In October 1 838, Brother Burnes was force<l to quit Cutch, on sick
certificate. In February following he embarked for Europe, taking the
route of Malta, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Florence. Venice, Geneva, and
Paris. While at home, amongst other honours conferred on him, he
was created a Doctor of Laws by the University of Glasgow, and elected
a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, and of the Royal College of
Physicians of Edinburgh. He was also presented at Court by his friend
the late Earl of Dalhousie, and received the honour of the Guelphic
Knighthood from the Sovereign.
In Edinburgh, whilst making preparations for his departure for India,
a public entertainment was given to him, Lord Ramsay (now Marquess
of Dalhousie, and late Governor-General of India) in the chair, when he
received the present of a magnificent silver vase, bearing, besides a
Masonic inscription, an intimation that it was a token of " regard and
esteem for him as a gentleman."
On the 24th December 1837, Brother Burnes returned to Bombay; and
Sir James Carnac conferred on him, nnsolicited, the first vacant medical
stafiP appointment in his gift, namely, the Garrison Surgeoncy of Bombay.
The following year his Masonic Brethren voted him " three massive
silver pillars, surmounted by the emblems of Faith, Hope, and Charity,
to mark^ their 'deep felt gratitude for his conduct to themselves, and
their high sense of his brilliant efforts in the cause of ckarityf friendship,
and love to all men,* "
In 1 840, Brother Burnes paid a visit to Calcutta, the exciting events of
which will appear from the following paragraphs of Dr Grant's Memoir,
published at that period : —
" The reception of the Provincial Grand Master of Bombay by his
' Brethren of the mystic tie ' in Calcutta, has been worthy of Lim and of
them ; and it was decided, with genuine hospitality and brotherly
alacrity, to get up a round of Masonic banquets, to mark how welcome
was his arrival among the fraternity in Bengal. It were difficult to say
which of these entertainments was the most delightful, or at which the
eloquence of the distinguished visitor shone with greater lustre.
" The two leading reasons of this popularity with the Craft are his
perfect knowledge of the forms and institutes of Masonry, and the
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398 THB HISTOBT OF FBEE MASONRY.
affectionate conliality with which, in those forms and institutes, he em-
braces the whole Craft, high and low. It is possible that Brother Bumes's
connection with Masonrj has been so prominently brought forward as
to give those at a distance from Calcutta the notion that Masonry is the
chief plume in his cap — the crest and chief quartering of his shield.
Nothing can be a greater mistake. Masonry is only as it were a tongue
thrtfngh which he, in hours of leisure and relaxation, has become known
and cherished by a certain class, embracing in itself men of all ranks and
grades. But he speaketh other languages — or, in other words, his busi-
ness hours lie in other tracks, where the philosophic observer, the statist,
and the calm, looking-forward politico-economist, may meet also what
the Mason hails, a well- instructed, highly qualified Brother of the Craft"
Brother Bumes returned from Calcutta early in 1841, having been
requested by Sir James Camac, then Governor of Bombay, to undertake
the office of Secretary to the Medical Board. In that year he presided
at the St Andrew*s dinner. But owing to the Cabool catastrophe, in
which bis brothers lost their lives, he remained for some time after-
Wards in retirement.
His next prominent appearance was on the occasion of his laying the
Foundation-stone of the Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy Hospital in January 1843,
which ceremony created a great sensation in India. On that occasion
he delivered the following address : —
" Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, — Many and memorable have been the
occasions on which the deeds of charitable and philanthropic men have
been consecrated by the ancient rites and cerenionies of our Masonic
Craft, but never have those ceremonies been employed to aid a purpose
more congenial to the feelings of the upright Mason, or the true-hearted
lover of his species, than the present. The splendid structure which
you here propose to dedicate to the relief of your fellow-creatures, as
well as the many other transcendent acts of benevolence that have
characterized your career, are, like our Masonic Institution itself, kindred
and goodly fruits of the most generous emotion that can swell the bosom
of man towards man, — the desire to succour his brother in distress, —
and to give free scope to that ever-hallowed charity —
' Which droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven,
And blesseth bim that gives, and him that takes.'
'' It is with cordial sympathy, therefore, as well as with sincere pride
and gratification, that the Masonic fraternity of Bombay have re-
sponded to your summons, and borne their emblems to this spot to-day.
And, when the Record of these proceedings shall be read within the
houses of our Order, dispersed throughout the civilized world, our
Brethren also, of every tongue and nation, will rejoice that we have
been aiding you in this good work ; and will participate with us in ex-
ultation, that by far the foremost man for deeds of true wisdom in this
portion of the globe has also, in giving effect to munificent designs of
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TUB HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 399
love and charity, been the first of his tribe and conn try to solicit the
countenance of our brotherhood.
'' It has been usual to explain these ceremonies ; and in this, the first
instance of their being practised at Bombay, it is essential that I should
at least guard against their being misinterpreted. There is one portion
of them which will awaken a sympathy in the bosom of every reflecting
individual, even of this vast assemolage, — composed though it be of men
of all varieties of sects, customs, and habits of thought, — ^since no con-
dition of society exists in which — at the season of doubt and anxiety,
but especially at the commencement of a momentous undertaking, the
plan of which he may conceive, but the execution of which depends ou
a far mightier than he, — man will not feel his absolute dependence
on the Omnipotent Creator, and, by a natural instinct, turn to His
Throne for support. But the impulse which prompts this appeal
acquires intensity when the frail and transitory being com templates
the erection of an enduring and stupendous structure which may rear
its stately head for centuries after he is mouldering in the dust, — and
hence, from the remotest ages, and in almost all countries, the founda-
tion-stone of important edifices has been deposited with an impressive
solemnity, indicative of the founder's humble trust and fervent prayer
that the Great Architect of the Universe may prosper his work, and
ever shower down his bounty and blessings upon it. As visible types
of these blessings, it has also been usual, in accordance with a practice
which needs no elucidation amongst a people long accustomed to shadow
forth solemn truths by symbols and allegory, — to pour forth, with a
spirit of hope and thankfulness, the abundant fruits of the earth on the
first corner stone,— in the corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment,
and the oil of joy. Such, then, is the simple origin of one portion of
these ceremonies, which so far will be recognized as analogous to those
performed by one of our most distinguished Parsee families in laying the
foundation keels of some of those superb vessels which, of late years,
have brought Great Britain and India into closer and dearer connexion.
The other part of the ceremony I have more difficulty in explaining,
not that it is less clear to myself, but that there are certain landmarks
which I must not transgress, and within the strict limits of which
explanation may be embarrassing. But I do not despair to render it
also intelligible, and your character and conduct, my worthy friend,
afford me scope for domg so. You have seen me, then, apply certain
implements of operative architecture to this stone, in accordance with
the ancient and immemorial usage of our Order at the foundation of all
stately and superb edifices. But you are too enlightened a man to sup-
pose that the essence of Free Masonry lies in a mere formality like this,
or that those about me, and myself, have linked ourselves together in an
indissoluble tie only to practise ceremonial or display. Xo ! As the
corn, the wine, and the oil, were symbols of God s bounty and provi-
dence, calling forth reverence and gratitude to the Creator, so also, even
this stone and these implements are emblems conveying to the enlight-
ened Mason pure and precious precepts of his duty to his neighbour.
They are, in truth, tokens of a great and practical system of universal
good-will and benevolence, — which, establishing moral worth as the
standard, welcomes to its bosom the good of every colour, clime, or
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400 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
oreed that acknowledges God, — which binds jon, whose name and
deeds fill men's mouths, as those of the '' benevolent Parsee of Bombaj,"
and, longo intervallo, myself, the child of Northern Enrope, and all who
are willing to work with us to ' mitigate the sum of human woe,' into
one vast chain of fraternity and love, — which enforces the most devout
reverence to the Supreme Architect, and the strictest conscientious duty
to our earthly rulers ; but, at the same time, peremptorily excludes alL
discussions on points of faith, state politics, or other questions likely to
excite the angry passions of man against man, — and which, in short, is
founded on the glorious principle, that
* God hath made mankind one mighty brotherhood.
Himself their Master, and the World their Lodge.'
'* Many of those eminent individuals, whose names are dearest to India,
have been professors and promoters of this vast system. In the Right
Worshipful Brother by my side, you will recognize one from whom even
you have obtained encouragement ; and who has, with zeal and fervency,
devoted his gifts as a man, and his power as a governor, to the dis-
semination of charity and. enlightenment amongst your countrymen.
The late Marquis of Hastings, certainly inferior to none of the illustrious
men that Europe has lent to Asia, was a stately pillar of our Craft j
and there is a valued and elevated Brother present, who could testify
how deeply its principles influenced the conduct of that distinguished
soldier and statesman. The present ruler of India shewed his respect
for it, by demanding, so late as 1836*, that a legislative enactment should
be so expressed as not to reflect upon its Members. We have lately
seen the government of a sister Presidency transferred from one noble
Brother to another, and if we cannot include amongst us the distin-
guished officer who presides at Bombay, we have the satisfaction of
seeing his son amongst our Office-bearers.
" Through the mercy of Providence, from the earliest period, the system
1 have described has been in operation, assuaging the horrors of strife,
and encouraging the spread of civilization ; and while your remote fore-
fathers wore bowing with adoration to the glorious orb of day, the visi-
ble source of light, heat, and productiveness, our ancient Brethren, if
they were not identical with them, were also, by the symbols of the sun,
the moon, and the starry firmament, inculcating the mighty truths of
God's power, omnipresence, and divinity, and of man's responsibility,
hope, and final destiny, — thereby evincing their sympathy and connec-
tion with those
* Who morn and eve
Hail their Creator's dwelling-place.
Among the lights of Heaven.'
" 1 have said that your life and character aflbrd scope for illustrating
our system ; and I now turn to my Masonic Brethren, and present you to
ihem as a Brother who has practically attained the summit of the
Masonic structure, which is Charity. Never forgetting that you com-
menced, and must end upon the level, — ^following the plumb-line of
rectitude, — ^acting on the square with your fellow-men,— <:ircumscribing
your own wants within compass, but extending your benevolence to a
circle which, if it depended upon you, would evidently embrace all
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 401
mankind — we need not wonder that jou have attained the highest
elevation of moral worth, — that the love of your family, the respect of
your fellow-citizens, the applause of men, and rewards from your
Sovereign, have flowed in upon you ; and that, above all, yon enjoy the
serenity of mind arising from the inexpressible delight of having suc-
coured the distressed,
* Which nothing earthly gives or can destroy.'
" And although, my friend, it has not fallen to ue, who are after all
but ' nature's journeymen,' to initiate you into our mysteries, we cannot
doubt, after the splendid deeds of love which yon have achieved, that
you are a wise master builder, — a living stone, square, polished,
fashioned, and proved by the hand of the Great Master himself, — that
your patent is. from the Grand Chancery on high, — and that you need
neither sign nor token, warrant nor diploma, pass-word nor grip, to
ensure you a welcome to the heart of every honest Mason.
** May you. Sir Jamsetjee, like the foundation we have laid, long be
stable and secure, — may you for years be spared as the comer-stone of
charity, the prop and support of the widow and the fatherless, — may
your good deeds form a constant source of enjoyment to yourself while
you remain amongst men ; and when the time does come that overtakes
us all, and the solemn Tyler Death must raise the curtain of a new
existence, may it be to usher you in as an accepted and exalted com-
panion to the Supreme Chapter on high, there to take your place under
the all-seeing eye of Him who seeth not as man seeth, but who will un-
doubtedly pay the workman his wages according to his work ! "
In December 1844 he established the Lodge " Rising Star," for the
admission of natives, and a beautiful medal, cut by Wyon, was struck by
them in consequence. In July 1846 he was promoted to be Superintend-
ing Surgeon, and a service of plate was voted him by his brother officers.
In February 1847 Brother Bumes was transferred to the Poena Divi-
sion, where he remained until his promotion to the Medical Board in Sep-
tember 1848. Shortly after his arrival at Bombay he was appointed a
Member of the Board of Edncation, and the interest he took in its busi-
ness is best shown by his Addresses at the Grant College ; by his suc-
cessful eflforts for the student apprentices ; and by the Board having, on
his departure, recorded " its deep regret at the loss of his valuable
services, particularly in the department of Native Medical Education,
to which he has devoted so much attention, and wherein his rare talents
and extensive experience have enabled him to act with such marked
efficiency;" — a regret in which the Government expressed its entire
participation. The Medical Board also intimated to Government, on
the 15th November 1849, their deep regret that ill health was about to
deprive the Medical Service of an officer who had been " so long its
pride and ornament, and of whose honourable career and eminent merits
the Public Records bore such ample testimony."
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402 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
On his departure the Brethren of the various Lodges subscribed for
the perpetual endowment of medals for the reward of eminence and
schohirship at the following Seminaries : — The Byculla Schools, and the
Grant Medical College, Bombay, in the latter of which he, as the highest
medical officer of the Presidency, took an especial interest ; and the
Academy of his native town, Montrose, where he himself was educated.
It was also resolved '* That in order to mark still further their high
sense of the merits and services of this accomplished and gifted Mason,
the Brethren do escort him in Masonic Order from the Town Hall to
the Apollo Bunder, the place of embarkation ; and that all Members of
the Craft, of whatever Degree, Lodge, or Nation, be invited to attend."
Brother Burnes declined the Festival and Procession, but his embarka-
tion is thus mentioned in '* The Overland Times " of 1 6th December, pub-
lished after his departure : — " Dr Burnes was accompanied by troops of
friends and admirers, and nearly every Mason on the island. A number
of ladies were in carriages, and it took him no short time to pass to each
to bid them adieu. Sir Willoughby Cotton, and all the leading men of
the Presidency, were present ; and the regret at the parting about to take
place betwixt the Commander-in-Chief and Dr Burnes seemed to be
felt equally by both. Dr Burnes appeared, by the time he reached the
boat which awaited him, to have been completely overcome with this
last proof from his friends of the sincerity of their attachment to him.
On getting on board his boat he turned round and took a final farewell
of a large number of the Masonic Craft who attended him to the water's
edge."
Participating in the general feeling, the Government also issued a
General Order to the Army, calling attention to '* the eminent merits of
Dr Burnes, who, during his service of 28 years, has ever been conspicuous
for the zeal and ability with which he has acquitted himself; " and
pointing out that " the Records show his services to have extended be-
yond the line of his own profession ; and that, on these occasions like-
wise, he has always evinced the same conspicuous ability, energy of
character, and zealous devotion to the public interests, which have dis-
tinguished him throughout his meritorious career in the Medical
Department, from the head of which he is now retiring with honor."
His successor in the Provincial Grand Mastership of " The Western
Provinces of India " only, was his friend Philip William Le Geyt, Esq.,
who had been for a number of years Depute Provincial Master, and in
accepting whose resignation in 1855, tho Grand Lodge " as an acknow-
ledgment of his past services, and in order to mark their confidence in his
judgment, unanimously agreed, upon his recommendation, to appoint
Brother Henry Durance Cartwright to the government of that Province."
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 403
JAMAICA PROVINCB. — Erected 1771.
Provincial Grand Master. — Colin Campbell, Esquire, Kingston ;
Appointed 4tli August 1851.
Year of
No. Nome of Lodge. ^/uLteof
Charier.
344 Elgin, Jamaica, ...... 1844
346 Glenlyon, Jamaica, ...... 1845
357 St John, Greytown, Mosquito, (Precedence from Feb. 4, 1850,) 1851
359 Union, Black River, Jamaica, .... 1851
367 Atholo Union, Falmouth, Jamaica, .... 1853
369 St Andrew Kilwinning, St Andrew, Jamaica, . . 1855
The year 1771 is assigned above as the period of erection of this
Province, that being the date when it is first mentioned in the Minutes,
bat from what is there stated, there can be no doubt but that it was insti-
tuted at an earlier period, though there is no trace of its previous history
until May 30, 1771, nor are the names of its Provincial Grand Masters
recorded until 7th August 1843, on which occasion William Pollard
Burton, Rector of St Thomas-in-the-Vale, was appointed to that honour.
On 8th May 1848 he was succeeded by Dr James M*Fadyen of King-
ston, at whose decease the present Provincial Grand Master, then a
Magistrate and Alderman of Kingston, was appointed to the vacancy on
the recommendation of the Brethren of the district.
BERMUDAS PBOViNCB. — Erected 1803.
Provincial Grand Master, — Joseph Stuart Hunter, Esquire, M.D. ;
Appointed 5th May 1845.
Year of
^. „ , , a Institution
No. Name of Lodge. o, Date of
Charter.
200 St George, Bermuda, ..... 1797
The Bermudas Isles Province was erected on 16th November 1803,
its Provincial Grand Master being John M'Lauchlan, Esquire, who was
succeeded by Dr Hunter of St George's, on the above date.
Bahama islands province. — Erected 1842.
Provincial Grand Master. — H. S. M'Cartney, Esquire ;
Appointed 3d August 1857.
Year of
No. N«ne of Lodge. ^T^il^
Charter.
231 Union, Nassau, New Providence, .... 1809
372 St John, Mattbewtown, Tnagua, .... 1856
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404 THE HISTORY OF FRBB MASONRY.
John Francis Cooke, Esquire, was appointed Proyincial Grand Master
on 7th November 1842, and resigned upon the 4th November 1850,
being succeeded by the Honourable James Jarrett, Member of the House
of Assembly, to whom the Grand Lodge, on his resignation in 1854,
awarded a cordial vote of thanks for his past able services in the cause of
Masonry in this Province. The present Provincial Grand Master, who
for some time previous had been acting pro tern., was appointed, at the
request of the Brethren, in August 1857, with the usual powers.
WEST INDIA ISLANDS PROVINCE.— ^r^<?ferf 1769.
Provincial Grand Master. — The Honourable William Stephenson,
Grenada ;
Appointed 13th November 1837.
No. Name of Lodge.
251 Uoited Brothers, Trinidad,
324 Caledonia, Grenada^
336 Mount of Olives, St Christopher, .
340 Scotia, Barbadoes,
368 Eastern Star, Port of Spain, Trinidad,
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
1813
1827
1835
1844
1854
This Province was at first known as that of the Leeward Carribee
Islands, its Provincial Grand Master being James George Verchild,
Esquire, of Lodge St Luke, Edinburgh. On 6th November 1786, Alex-
ander Eraser, designed Provincial Grand Master, St Kitts, succeeded,
in the room of Brother Verchild, deceased. Brother Eraser having died,
James Stevens, Esquire, was appointed on 6th August 1792, as Pro-
vincial Grand Master of the Leeward Carribee Islands ; the Commisaion
however of his successor, Dr Stephenson, on the above-mentioned date«
states that he is ''to be Provincial Grand Master of the Province
comprehending the Carribean Islands."
f ^^ci- 1 CANADA, WEST OR UPPER. — Erected 1853.
AMERICA. I uoi /CANADA, BAST OR LowEj^.— Erected 1853.
Provincial Grand Masterships. — Both Vacant.
Year of
No. Niune of Lodge. 'jr'ditoo?
Charter.
348 Elgin, Montreal, 1847
356 St Andrew, Quebec, (Precedence from 6th Nov. 1S49,) 1851
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 405
Ou ] 4th November 1757 it was *' Ordered that a Commission be made
out and passed under the seal of the Grand Lodge, constituting and
appointing the Right Worshipful Colonel John Young, Provincial Grand
Master over all the Lodges in America holding of the Grand Lodge."
In ]768 James Grant, Esquire, Governor of the Province of East Florida,
was appointed Provincial Grand Master of North America, Southern
District, and in 1769 Joseph Waren, Physician, was appointed Provin-
cial Grand Master of the '' Lodges in Boston." On 5th May 1834,
James Law, Esquire, W.S., was constituted Provincial Grand Master
" over all the Lodges in North America holding Charters under the Grand
Lodge of Scotland." He was succeeded on 1st August 1842 by Sir
Allan Napier Macnab, appointed Provincial Grand Master of Canada.
On 1st August 1853 the Province was divided into two, viz., '* Canada,
West or Upper,'* and " Canada, East or Lower," Sir Allan retaining the
Provincial Grand Mastership of the former, which he resigned in 1 857;
whilst Thomas Douglas Harrington, Esquire, Quebec, was appointed on
the said 1st of August 1853, to the latter, which *he resigned in 1858.
To neither have successors been as yet appointed.
PBOVINOB OP NOVA SCOTIA, HEW BRUNSWICK, AND PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND. — Erected 1843.
Provincial Grand Master. — The Honourable Alexander Keith^ Halifax,
Nova Scotia;
Appointed 6th November 1848.
Year of
No. NMneofLodge. ^SfSlteJ?
345 Acadia, Dartmouth, N. S.,
352 Burns, Halifax, N. S., .
361 Athole, Halifax, N. S., .
364 8t Andrew, Fredericton, New Brunswick,
365 Keith, Halifax, N. S., .
376 St Andrew, Richibuctoo, New Brunswick,
379 Rojral Albert Lodge, North Sydney, Cape Breton, . 1858
383 Victoria, Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island, 1858
Charter.
1845
1848
1852
1852
1853
1857
The first Provincial Grand Master of this important Province was the
Honourable John Leander Starr, appointed 6th November 1843 ; on his
removing to New York he was succeeded by the present Provincial
Grand Master.
The Hundredth Anniversary of the establishment of Free Masonry in
Halifax was celebrated with great ecl^t on 19th July 1850, the Pro-
vincial Grand Master presiding.
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406 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
PROVINCE OP GUAYANA TN VENEZUELA. ^
Provincird Grand Master, — Sefior Florentino Grillet, Ciadad
Bolivar, (ADgostura ;)
Appointed 6th May 1860.
Year of
No, Name of Lodge. ot'dS???
Charter.
908 Eastern Star, Colombia, Anj^stura, . 1824
When first created this was styled the Province of Colombia, the
ProTincial Grand Master thereof being Don Jos6 Gabriel Nunez, the
date of whose appointment however is not recorded in the Minutes of
the Grand Lodge; Brother Nnnez having resigned, the present Provin-
cial Grand Master was appointed his successor. On dd February 1851
the designation of the Province was changed from Colombia to that
by which it is at present known.
PROVINct OF AUSTRALIA PELIX OR VICTORIA. 1
Provincial Graiid Master. — The Honourable William Clark Haines;
Appointed 19th May 1858.
Year of
Na N«ne of Lodge. S^SJ'o?
Charter.
337 Australasian Eilwinningf, * . . . . 1843
366 United Tradesmen, GeeloDg, Victoria, . . 1853
388 Lodge of Judah, Melbourne, Victoria, . . 1858
The first Provincial Grand Master of this Province was the Honourable
James Erskine Murray, the date of whose appointment however is not
minuted. He was succeeded at his death by James Hunter Ross, Esquire,
W.S., of Melbourne, appointed as Provincial Grand Master of " the Pro-
vince of Port Philip." On his resignation in 1858, the Honourable
William Clark Haines was appointed, on the above-mentioned date. Pro-
vincial Grand Master of the Province of " Australia Felix or Victoria."
PROVINCE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA, ADELAIDE. — Erected 1846.
Provincial Grand Master. — Allan Macfarlan of Glensloy, Adelaide ;
Appointed 2d November 1846.
'^'^ . Year of
, » ^ InBtitution
No. Name of Lodge. or Date of
Charter.
341 Adelaide, South Australia, .... 1844
Brother Macfarlan was appointed on the above date, on Petition from
the Brethren in Adelaide.
The year of Erection not minuted.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
407
PROVINCE OF NEW SOUTH WALES. — Erected 1855.
Provincial Grand Mantes*. — Robert Campbell, Esq., Merchant, Sydney j
Appointed 5th February 1855.
Name of Lodge.
No.
358 St Audrew, Sydney, ....
377 Newtown Kilwinning, Sydney,
378 Sydney Tarbolton, Sydney,
381 Harmony, West Maitland, New South Wales,
382 1 Port Macquarrie, New South Wales,
386 WooUoomooloo^ New South Wales, .
387 Star of the South, Deniliqnin, New South Wales,
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
1851
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
1858
The following incident in the history of the Lodge St Andrew, No.
358, well merits a place here : — In 1857 Brother M'Crone, originally a
member of the Lodge Joameymen, Edinburgh, died in Sydney, leaving
a wife and a large family in poor circumstances, the Brethren of the
St Andrew's Lodge not only paid the passage-money of his widow and
children to Scotland, but transmitted the sum of X20 : 1 9s. to the Grand
Secretary, to be obtained by her on arrival in Edinburgh, and which was
received by her on 8th March 1858 with heartfelt thanks, and the fervent
prayer that He who is the Husband of the widow and the Father of the
£Eitherless, would shower down His choicest blessings upon the generous
Brethren of the Lodge St Andrew, Sydney.
MILITARY LODGES. — Not Stationary.
No.
Name of liodge.
328 George William, 94th Rej>iment, {Dormanty) .
373 Star-in the -Kast, Turkbh Contingent, Kertch, {Dormant,)
Year of
Institution
or Date of
Charter.
1830
1856
LODGES FORMERLY EXISTING.
Orig.
No.
66 Dnke of Norfolk's
63 Welsh Fusiliers
78 White's 32d Regiment
97 Hooker St John, 17th Regiment
100 Fort-Oeorge, 31st Regiment
101 King Georgo III, 56th Regiment
106 Dnke of York
106 St George, 31st Regiment
121 Union, General Marjoribaoks' Regiment
132 Moriah, 22d Regiment
137 Royal Welsh Fusiliers
147 United, 4th Regiment
Orig.
No.
156 St Patrick Royal Arch , 43d Regimen t
158-2 St Andrew Royal Arch, Scots Greys
168 Unity, 17th Regiment
1S8 Queen's 7th Dragoons
211-60 Union Royal Arch, 3d Regiment,
Dragoons
258 St John MUltaiy, Argyle
278 Ahoyne, North British Milfftla
289 Royal Thistle, Ist Regiment
810 St Andrew, 42d Regiment
811 Fifeshire Militia
320 St Cuthbert, Durham Militia
^ Although the Office-bearers were named in the application, at the date of
granting the Charter the name of the Lodge had not been definitely fixed upon.
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408
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The Lodge George William, 94th Regiment, sent its Charter for pre-
servation in the archives of the Grand Lodge, before embarking for
active service in thQ Crimea in 1855. The Star-in-the-East, Turkish
Contingent, was instituted at Kertch during the Crimean War; its
Charter, books, &c., are also in the possession of the Grand Lodge.
New Zealand. — On 2d November 1840 a Commission was granted
to Philip Cumine Lloyd to institute Lodges in this quarter of the globe,
and report the same within twelve months to the Grand Lodge, in order
that Charters might be issued for the same. As yet, however, none
have been reported.
Although no Commissions are now issued to the undernoted places, it
is requisite, as well on account of the appointments appearing in the
Minutes as for the completion of this Chapter, that they should be
recorded here.
Parts of Europe and Asia bordering on the Mediterranean Sea, — On
30th November 1747 a Provincial Commission was issued in favour of
Alexander Drummond, giving him powers to constitute and superintend
the Lodges in the territories specified. — Ficfe supra, page 107.
France, — On 10th November 1788, M. Louis Clavel, Right Worship-
ful Master of the Lodge " L'Ardente Amitie," at Rouen, was appointed
Provincial Grand Master over the Lodges in France holding of the
Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Andalima, — Spain, — On 3d August 1807 James Gordon, Esquire^
was appointed Provincial Grand Master over all the Lodges holding of
the Grand Lodge of Scotland, east of Balbos, in Andalusia.
LODaES FORMERLY EXISTING FURTH OF SCOTLAND.
Orlg.
No.
81 St Andrew, Boston
82 Blandford, Virginia
96 Union, Charleston, Sonth Carolina
102 St Andrew, Scots Lodge, Jamaica
117 St John, Norfolk, Virginia
143 Grant's, East Florida
151 St Andrew, St Christopher
160 La Parfalte Union de Namur
177 St John, Philadelphia
199 St Magnus, Gottenburg
207 Imperial Soots Greys, St Petersburg
216 Union, Carlisle
Grig.
No.
217 Union, St Christopher
225 St John, Pythagorio, Antigua
226 La Duoe Harmonie
227 L'Ardente Amitie
228 Faithful Friends, TOrient de Maraeillee
274 Orange, Ceylon
275 Turk's Island
. 276 Desired Re-Union (Spain)
838 Royal, Isle of Man
840 St Andrew, Scots Lodge, Quebec
353 Kilwinning-in-the-East, Calcutta
393 Thistle, HaUfax, Nova Scotia
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 409
CHAPTER XVIL
MARK MASONRY CHAIR OR PAST MASTER — AND DEGREES OF ARK
MARINER AND ROYAL ARCH.
MARK MASONRY.
Freemasonry is defined as a Science based apon Astronomy^ Mathe-
matics, and Geometry, divided into the two branches of Practical and
Speculative Masonry — the former comprising a knowledge of the liberal
Arts and Sciences, and their application to Architectare and Building,
— the latter being a system of Morality veiled in Allegory, and illus-
trated by the symbols of the former. The entire order of Craft Masonry
is comprised in the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow-craft,
and Master Mason, commonly known as St John's Masonry.
Mark Masonry is a modern designation of the First Division of the
Order, which, from the prevalence of Speculative Masonry, is now chiefly
retained in the Ancient Lodges that have preserved their operative
character, and is communicated principally as a section of the Second
or Fellow-craft Degree, to the class of Fellow-crafts known as Fore-
men, Overseers, or the superior order of Fellow-crafts, designated
Menatzchim, in the following classification of the workmen engaged at
the building of Solomon's Temple, who, according to the tradition of
the Craft, " caused all the Craftsmen, as well natives as foreigners, to
be numbered and classed as follows, viz. : —
1. Harodim, Princes, Rulers, or Provosts, in number 300
2. Menatzchim, Overseers and Comforters of the People in
working, that were expert Master Masons 3,300
3. Ghiblim, Stone-Squarers, Polishers, and Sculptors ; and
IsHCHOTZEB, Mcu of Hewing ; and Benai, Setters, Lay-
ers, or Builders, being able and ingenious Fellow-crafts... 80,000
4. The levy out of Israel, appointed to work in Lebanon one
month in three, 10,000 every month, under the direction
of noble Adoniram, who was the Junior Grand Warden, 30,000
All the Free-Masons employed in the work of the temple, ex-
clusive of the two Grand Wardens, were 11 3,600
27
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410 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" Besides the Ish-Sabbal, or men of burthen^ the remains of the Old
CaDaaniteSy amounting to 70,000, who are not numbered among Masons.
'' Solomon partitioned the Fellow-crafts into certain Lodges, with a
Master and Wardens in each, that they might receive commands in a
regular manner, might take care of their tools and jewels, be regularly
paid every week, and duly fed and clothed, &c. ; and the Fellow -<$rafts
took care of their succession by educating entered Apprentices."^ The
same arrangement appears to have been practised by the Builders of the
Middle Ages ; and exists, with some modifications, amongst the Opera-
tire Masons of the present day.
The Apprentices were divided into small Companies or Lodges, which
were presided over and instructed by the Fellow-crafts or Journeymen ;
who were also divided in a similar manner, presided over and instructed
by the Foremen Or Overseers ; and these again by the Master Mason.
The duty of the Master Mason was to prepare designs and plans, or
reduce such as might be submitted to him by his employers to a prac-
tical form, and instruct his Foremen or Overseers in the manner in which
he required them to be carried out ; he was likewise responsible for the
work executed by the workmen employed uuder him, and for enforcing
the laws of the Fraternity. The Wardens assisted him in the duties of
superintendence, one acting as time-keeper, another as treasurer and
paymaster.
The duty of the Foreman, or, as he is occasionally designated, the
Mark Overseer, was to direct and instruct the Fellow-crafts or Mark men
in the details of the work upon which they were engaged, and see that
it was completed according to the plan furnished.
The Fellow-crafts were responsible for the instruction and work
produced under their direction by the Apprentices, who were allowed to
choose such of them for intructors as they might prefer.
To admit of the duties of the several classes of workmen being pro-
perly carried out, and prevent the work of one being passed off for that
of another, a series of marks or signatures were arranged to be affixed to
the work of each. These were of three kinds, vii. — ^irregular or blind
marks, used by the Apprentices ; regular marks, used by the Fellow-
crafts or Markmen ; and official marks and numbers, used by the Fore-
men or Mark Masters. These marks were originally cut on the external
face of the stones, but are now, when used, placed on the beds, and do
not therefore require to be so neatly cut as formerly.
As the Fellow-craft was responsible for the work of the Apprentices
under his care, his mark was frequently placed along with that of the
^ Auld*8 History of Masonry, 3d Edition. Edinburgh, 1772.
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 411
Apprentice on the same stone, and his own individual mark only on the
work performed by him, which enabled the Foreman or Overseer to know
by whom any part of the work was done, and in what quantity ; and if
an error was committed, who should be called to account for it. The
official marks were used by the Overseer to satisfy the Master Mason
that the work had been examined j but this appears to have been little
used, as the Foreman or Overseer was readily known by the marks of
the workmen under his care.
These marks required to be distinguished according to certain rules,
and none were allowed to be changed after being adopted and enrolled
in the books of the Lodge ; if two happened to be alike, the junior
mark had a distinction added, which was removed when either of the
parties left the Lodge. No payments of wages could be made without
the mark of the party entitled to receive them being presented, and it
was occasionally given as a pledge for a debt ; but was only available
within a limited amount. The marks were also hereditary, and descended
to the youngest son of the family, as he was understood to undertake
the support of his father in his declining years.
The use of these marks is of great antiquity ; some travellers inform
us that they have observed them on ruined buildings in Herculaneum,
Egypt, Greece, and on the banks of the Zab, a tributary of the Tigris,
also on the ancient buildings of India, France, and Germany. In Scot-
land they are almost universal on the old buildings of every kind,
although in many instances few are to be found on the oldest buildings
on account of the surface of the stone being destroyed by the action
of the weather.
The forms commonly embraced some religious symbol, working
implement, or scientific figure, as the one annexed,
\ from Roslin Chapel, which refers to the following anec-
dote, occasionally told to the apprentice in illustration of
1A the use of Geometry : — " In the early ages, when large
tracts of the land of Egypt were divided into square allot-
ments, having small channels for irrigation fonned through
each, the Nile, at its periodical risings frequently obliterat-
ed the landmarks showing the respective boundaries,— -on
one of these occasions two owners disputed possession of a lot, when a reed
floated down the small channel and stuck fast across the stream in the
direction of two of the landmarks, A A, which suggested to their minds
to search in the line indicated, when they discovered the two land-
marks, from which they measured upwards and downwards at right
angles, and found other two, defining their proper bonndaries, which
ended the dispute."
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412 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
The points of the several forms were also used to indicate a kind
of secret language, regulated by certain rules, whereby instruction was
imparted in a popular manner, and is known amongst Masons as
" Reading the Marks," of which the following is an illustration : —
How many points has your Mark got 1
Three points.
To what do they allude 1
To the three points of an equilateral triangle.
Please demonstrate it as an Operative Mason ?
A point has position, without length, breadth, or thickness — a line has
length without breadth or thickness, and terminates in two points ; and
three lines of equal length, placed at equal angles to each other, form
an equilateral triangle, — which is the primary figure in Geometry.
Please to explain this figure as a Speculative Mason 1
The equilateral triangle represents the Trinity in Unity. The Great
Architect of the Universe having no material form, exists, pervading
all space ; the Creator of all things, Governor of all animate and inani-
mate nature, the Fountain of Wisdom : Whose greatness, perfection,
and glory is incomprehensible, and Whose loving-kindness and tender
mercies are over all His other works.
The Fraternity appears to have been always presided over by men
of eminence, and much care observed in training its Members. In
the earlier times it was necessary that they should possess a know-
ledge of Astronomy, Mathematics, and Geometry ; but chiefly Geometry,
which was held to embrace the other two ; the requirement even extend-
ed to what is styled in the Ritual the seven Liberal Sciences, viz. —
Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astrono-
my. The Apprentice was required to serve a term of seven years, and
afterwards undergo an examination by the Fellow-crafts ; and if found
deficient, was rejected from time to time, until he could satisfy his
examiners. The Fellow-crafts were also examined by the Masters, and
required to satisfy them as to their knowledge and experience before
being raised to the Master's Degree.
In the event of any Craftsman being charged with an ofience, a Lodge
was held to investigate the matter ; if the party was found guilty, punish-
ment was inflicted, with great solemnity, according to the Rules of
the Craft, by the Junior Warden, in presence of the assembled Brethren,
who stood uncovered, forming a hollow square around a Mason's seige,
previously erected in the centre. The delinquent was led out by the
• Master and Wardens, when the sentence of the Lodge was read by the
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 413
Master, and the culprit laid on his face on the seige. The Junior Warden
then, with two hand-rules and a hewing chisel between, proceeded to
inflict the number of strokes awarded as the punishment, keeping time
to a rhyme repeated by the Master. Two cases of this kind occurred in
lildinburgh about the beginning of the present century.
The form of Initiation and legend of the Mark Overseer is of an
Eastern character, referring to the preparation of the materials for build-
ing Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem, and navigating the rafts on which
they were conveyed along the coast of the Great (i.e. Mediterranean)
Sea, guided by a light-house situated on one of the peaks of ]\Iount
Lebanon. The speculative lecture inculcates a constant practice of the
principles of morality in every position of life, beautifully illustrated
by the operations of the Mason, under the guidance of scientific rules
fashioning with persevering industry the rude block into the perfect
form, having it approved and marked for its place in the intended
building ; and applying the illustration both to the upbuilding of the
individual mind as well as to the moral fabric of society, and pointing
to the hope that all may become living stones of God's own Temple.
Such a system of scientific and moral discipline was evidently well
adapted to the circumstances of the Craftsman, whose avocations required
him frequently to wander to great distances in search of employment,
and, whilst residing amongst strangers, enabled him to teach by his
example, and to live in concord and good fellowship amongst the
Members of the Craft with whom his labours were associated.
The Operative Masons of the present day throughout Scotland still
use the marks ; in building the Monument in Edinburgh to the memory
of Sir Walter Scott, they were used with great success, under the
direction of Mr John Baker, the intelligent foreman. As many of
the compartments of the design were alike, it was found necessary, in
order to prevent confusion and exercise a close superintendence over the
workmen, that each stone should be numbered and marked on its bed.
The respective sides of the Monument were therefore indicated by the
letters A, B, C, D, the places of the stones by numbers, and the work-
men by their marks, which were also cut upon their working tools, so
that at any time the position of a stone in the Monument, and the
name of the party who prepared it, could be ascertained. Marks
similar to those in use amongst the operative Masons in Scotland are
also current among many of their fellow-workmen in England and
Ireland.
In many of the old Lodges holding from the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
instruction in the ancient system of Free Masonry is still practised, and
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414 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
the marks of the Craftsmen enrolled in the books of the Lodge, as in
the Lodge of Glasgow St John ; St Ninian, Brechin ; Journeymen
Masons, Edinbargh, ke. In the old records of many of the Lodges the
marks are carefully recorded, with the dates at which they were
given. In the Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, the names of
the Fellow-crafts are periodically entered in the Minutes as having
paid their dues and taken their marks.
The method adopted in setting out the orientation of churches, pre-
vious to commencing building operations, has been preserved in some of
the Scotch Lodges, and is thus explained : — ^The site of the altar was
decided upon by the parties for whom the church was to be erected,
marked by a pole fixed in the ground, and a day appointed when pro-
ceedings were to be commenced. On the evening previous, the Patrons,
Ecclesiastics, and Masons assembled, and spent the night in devotional
exercises ; one being placed to watch the rising of the sun, gave notice
when his rays appeared above the horizon. When fully in view, the
Master Mason sent out a man with a rod, which he ranged in line
between the altar and the sun, and thus fixed the line of orientation.
Wordsworth has made this interesting ceremony the subject of the
following beautiful stanzas : —
When in the antique a^e of bow and spear
And feudal rapine clothed with iron mail,
Came Ministers of peace, intent to rear
The mother Church in yon sequester'd vale ;
Then, to her Patron Saint a previoos rite
Resounded with deep swell and solemn close
Through unremitting vigils of the night.
Till from his conch the wished- for sun uprose.
He rose, and straight — as by Divine command,
They who had waited for that sign to trace
Their work's foandation, give with careful hand
To the high Altar its determined place ;
Mindful of 11 im who in the Orient born
There liv'd, and on the Cross His life resign'd,
And who, from out the regions of the morn,
Issuing in pomp, shall come to judge mankind.
So taught their creed : — nor failed the eastern sky
'Mid these more awfnl feelings, to infuse
The sweet and natural hopes that shall not die,
Long as the sun his gladsome course renews.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 415
For U8 hath such prelusive vif^l censed ;
Yet still we plant, like men of elder days,
Our Christiau Altar faithful to the east,
Whence the tall window drinks the morning rays.
That obvious emblem givini; to the eye
Of meek devotion, which erewhile it gave,
That symbol of the Day-spring from on liigh,
Triumphant o'er the darkness of the grave.
Many of the Lodges had apprentices bound to them to leani the
mason trade. The records of the ancient Lodge of Aitchison's Haven,
near Edinbargb, state that about the beginning of last century a
complaint was made to the Lodge of the inferiority of the mason
craftsmen^ and the Lodge resolved that in future the Wardens shall
meet with the apprentices of the Lodge on each St John's Day, and ex-
amine them as to their knowledge and skill in the Craft. And in the
records of the Lodge Journeymen Masons, Edinburgh, until about the
end of last century, frequent entries occur of apprentices being bound
to the Lodge, and of their being allowed on St John's Day one shilling
each from the funds to keep their pocket. These apprentices appear
to have wrought, along with a Fellow-craft of the Lodge, at such build-
ings as he was employed on, in the same manner as is still practised by
journeymen Masons in many of the country districts of Scotland.
Although the Operative Masons evidently were the predominant
Craft in the Masonic Fraternity, it appears to have embraced other
Crafts, as shewn by the Acts and Statutes ^ passed at Falkland on the
26th October 1636, where a list of the Airts and Crafts are enumerated,
viz. — masons, wrights, shipwrights, coopers, glassin-wrights or glaziers,
painters, plumbers, plasterers, and other artiBcers of buildings, who
are afterwards designated as Masons belonging to any of the said airts.
These being trained under the same general system adopted by the
Fraternity, readily accounts for the uniformity of design and style of
workmanship so frequently observed on the buildings erected at dif-
ferent periods. The whole of their works appear to have been designed
upon a general known principle, perhaps a series of geometrical figures. '
In the year 1321 a commission was appointed to inspect the works in
progress upon the Cathedral at Sienna, who declare it as their opinion
" that the new work ought not to proceed any farther ; because, if com-
pleted as it had been begun, it would not have the measure in length,
^ Vide Appendix, No. IV, p. 445, anUa,
' Hawkins' Ilistory of Gothic Architecture, p. 183.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
breadth, and height, which the rules for a charch required ; and add, that
the old structurei to which it seems the new adjoined, was so justly
proportioned, and its members so well agreed with each other in breadth,
length, and height, that if in any part an addition were made to it,
under the pretence of reducing it to the right measure of a church, the
whole would be destroyed.*' It is well known that many of the ancient
churches in Britain are designed upon a geometric figure, and it would
not be difficult to show that any alteration would destroy the harmony
of the proportions ; but this remark will be more readily understood by
referring to the annexed plan and section of St Margaret's Well,
Restalrig, near Edinburgh, erected about the year 1460. The figure,
upon which this building is designed, is indicated by the groining, viz.,
a double equilateral triangle, having the points enclosed by a hexagon.
The same figure applies to the section, the height of the seat and
diameter of the central pillar being equal to the half of the side of one
of the small triangles.
It is evident that a person accustomed to the consideration of designs
prepared upon this principle would recognize the figure upon which the
buildings he examined was constructed, and readily judge how far they
could be interfered with.
Having described generally the arrangement and practice of the
Masonic Fraternity as Architects or Master Masons, and Builders, it
might be interesting to glance at its history as established in its tradi-
tions, buildings, and incidental historical notices.
The Fraternity is stated in their traditions to have originated at
Shinar. The companies who migrated from that place, after the
common language had been confounded, associated themselves into
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 417
small societies to preserve the knowledge which they had obtained
of the Deitj^ and the arts of bailding and agricaltare, and met
occasionally to rehearse what they remembered. A large company
passed into Egypt, where architectare, with its associated sciences,
and agriculture, were cultivated and encouraged, and instruc-
tion imparted to the initiated under mystic forms. In course of years
other companies passed from thence into Greece, where they were en-
couraged by the princes of that country. Wlien Solomon was preparing
to build his famous temple at Jerusalem many of the initiated came by
way of Tyre to aid in its erection. Solomon, observing the practice of
these mysteries, was afraid of their tending to idolatry, and therefore
purified them ; in which form they were afterwards practised by the
adjoining nations.
In whatever light this tradition may be viewed, there is no doubt
that the secret societies of Egypt, if not composed of Free-Masons,
closely resembled them^ and the marks on stones in the Pyramids,
observed by Colonel Howard Vyse and others, appear in some cases
to be Mason Marks, — those on the rough stones may be quarry marks,
but in all probability those on the dressed stones are Mason Marks.
The existence of the Fraternity in Greece at an early period is shewn
in the commencement of this volume, and the Sacred Narrative certainly
indicates their being engaged at the Temple of Solomon, and in the Vale
of the Tigris, about twenty-eight miles from the river, the ruins of Al-
Hadhr rise to view, the ancient Atra of the Roman campaigns, in the
centre of which stands what was once apparently a palace, temple, or
citadel, the stones of which have been hewn with skill, and are so closely
fitted that if cement has been used it cannot now be seen ; almost every
one is marked with a character generally about one or two inches in
size, — either a Chaldaic letter, a numeral, or an astronomical sign. The
mirror and handle emblematic of the planet Venus are very common.
The historian Ammcanus Marcellinus, fifteen centuries ago, speaks of it
as a deserted city.. Its origin is entirely lost, but its monuments associate
it with an age more ancient than that when it first comes under the notice
of history. ^ Mason Marks have also been observed upon the marbles
excavated from the ruins of Herculaneum," one of which is delineated in
the annexed plates.
The Rev. James Dallaway, in his work on Architecture, states, " That
the sumptuous temples in which Ancient Greece abounded were the
works of architects in combination with a Fraternity of Masons, {x^tmvtM,)
^ Babylon and Nineveh, published by the London Religious Tract Society.
■ The Builder, 1834, p. 424.
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418 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
no reasonable doubt can be entertained. ^ That with the Romans sach
Fraternities, (Collegia,) including the (Fabri) workmen who were em-
ployed in any kind of construction, were subject to the laws of Numa
Pompilins, is an apparent fact." Pliny, when Proconsul of Asia Minor,
in one of his well-known epistles which he addressed to the Emperor
Trajan, informs him of a most destructive fire at Nicomedia, and requests
him to establish a Collegium Fabrorum for the rebuilding of the city.
The Emperor refuses from the apprehension of danger, as their meetings
were held under the seal of secrecy.
In the eighth century the Fraternity had obtained a position on the
Continent, as Charlemagne was then engaged in erecting his magnificent
church at Aix-la-Chapelle, and invited artificers to assist from every
country in Europe in which they were established. " Two principal
colleges were formed at Strasburg and Cologne by the Master Masons
of those stupendous cathedrals, who at that period assumed, and were
allowed, a jurisdiction over all inferior societies, wherever they exercised
their Craft. In these conventions regulations were formed, which were
religiously preserved under the strong sanction of good faith and secrecy.
They were probably very numerously attended, at least by Master
Masons ; and as all communications relative- to their art' were delivered
^ To mention the more celebrated architects, with their known works : — ^To
Ctesiphoo and Metagenes the Temple of Diana, at Ephesus, is ascribed ;
RhsecQS of Samos, built the Temple of Juno, in that Island ; and Ictinus and
Callicrates that of the Parthenon at Athens. This may be a sufficient selection
from manj others of scarcely an inferior fame.
' Bishop Lucy, for bnilding his Cathedral in 1202, instituted a confraternity
of workmen, to endure for five years. — Milner's History of Winchester, vol. ii,
p. 14, 4to. As a fact which has not been questioned, the first complete example
of the Gothic style in England is De Lucy's addition to Winchester Cathedral
in 1202. It has been remarked by Whittington in his Essay — ^ That from
the first rise of Gothick in the twelfth, to its completion in the fifteenth cen-
tury, the improvements are owing to the mnnificence of the Churcli, and the
vast abilities of the Free-Masons in the Middle Ages. These scientific per-
sons have great claim to our admiration, from the richness and fertility of their
inventive powers. By them the eastern style was transplanted into the west ;
and under them it was so much altered and amplified that it assumed au
entirely new appearance." Did they accompany the Crusaders, and learn the
Arab architecture, for the purpose of adopting it upon their return ! " These
immense works produced a host of artificers, out of whom, in imitation of the
confraternities which for various purposes had existed from ancient times,
companies were formed, academies, schools, and bodies were established. An
oath of secrecy was administered to the noviciates ; a veil of mystery pervaded
their meetings, which, in an age when many were ignorant, conferred import-
ance. Such institutions, in the infancy of science, were singularly beneficial.
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THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 419
orally, the subordinate associates had ooly the experience which the
practice afforded them of applying the principles thus detailed."^
The Romans evidently brought a company of associated artificers
with them to Britain, as appears from a stone discovered at Chichester
in 1725, now in the possession of the Duke of Richmond, bearing a
votive inscription, in which the College of Masons dedicate a Temple
to Neptune and Minerva, and the safety of the family of Claudius
Ceesar. s
Matthew of Westminster mentions that in 488 Anrelins repaired the
churches in Britain, and sent for Masons and Carpenters for that pur-
pose ; and again, in 522, he notices King Arthur being at York, (the
seat of the oldest English Lodge,) and observing the desolate state of
the ecclesiastical ediBces, summoned a Council, in which he determined
to repair the churches throughout the Island of Britain, which was
afterwards done. *
The earliest indication of the existence of the Masonic Fraternity in
Scotland is from the Masons^ Marks upon the ancient buildings. The
most distinct now extant are those upon the Round Tower of Brechin,
supposed to have been erected about the year 1020. The Lodge of
Glasgow St John appears however to have existed so early as 1057, as
in that year Malcolm III, King of Scots, granted them a charter bearing
that date.^ The Lodge of Edinburgh, Mary's Chapel, is said to have
been founded by a company of Masons brought from Strasburg by
David the First, in 1128, to build the Abbey Church of Holyrood-
House, and were afterwards engaged at Melrose Abbey, founded in 1 130.
It has also been stated that they were engaged at the building of Kelso
Abbey in 1128, which is not improbable, seeing the great interest King
David took in the Tironensian Order of Monks, for whom it was
erected, they having been brought by him from Tiron, in Picardy, about
1113, and stationed at Selkirk. They were good agriculturists, and had
amongst them craftsmen of various kinds ; and, as a body, were adepts
in ecclesiastical architecture ; it is therefore highly probable that they
would be associated in some degree with the Free-Masons engaged in
erecting these buildings. In the year 1 1 40 Hugh de Morville is said to
By their efforts new lights were elicited, and valaahle discoveries extensively
diffused." — Gunn on Gothick Architecture, p. 60. Muratori, Disc. 75.
^ Collections for an Historical Account of Master and Free-Masons, by the
Rev. James Dallaway.
■ History of Western Sussex, vol. i, p. 3.
' Hawkins' History of Gothic Architecture.
* Vide the Charter given at length in Chapter XVI, supra.
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420 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
hare broagbt** Masons from CologDe to erect an Abbey at Kil winning,
also for tbe Monks of tbe Tironensian Order, where the Master Mason
lived in a superior position, and freqaentlj held assemblies of Masons,
which is supposed to account for the influence which the Kilwinning
Lodge exercised for a long period in Scotland. Father Hay, in his
" Account of the St Clairs of Roslin," states that when Roslin Chapel was
founded in 1 446, the founder, " in or Jer that it might be done with greater
glory and splendour, caused artificers to be brought from other regions
and forraigne kingdoms ; and caused daily to be abundance of all kinds
of workmen present." St Clair of Roslin, as is well known, was Here-
ditary Grand Master Mason of Scotland ; and, as appears from the
signatures to the Charter of his Confirmation in 1600, the Craft had
included at that period the greater number of the building trades, which
wiH readily account for the older Lodges being associated with the Incor-
porations of the respective towns. These Masons are said to have been
brought from Strasburg, but there is no Lodge now existing which
claims to be descended from them.
Many of the old Lodges in Scotland, who were engaged in erecting
the ecclesiastical and baronial buildings in their respective localities,
have preserved many interesting records and traditions connected with
their history. The period at which the manuscript records of the
Lodges generally commence is about the middle of the sixteenth cen-
tury, and chiefly during the reign of James the Sixth of Scotland, who
appears to have taken a particular interest in the preservation of the
Masonic Craft, which may be attributed to the general destruction of
the ecclesiastical buildings recently effected by the zeal of the people
(though contrary to the advice of many of their leaders) in promoting
the cause of the Reformation. ^
^ Traist Freinds, — After maist hartly commeadacion, we pray yon faill not
to pass incontinent to the kyrk of Dunkeld, and tak doun the haill images
thereof, and bring furth to the kirkyard, and byrn thaym oppinly ; and sickly k
cast doun the altairs, and purge the kyrk of all kynd of monuments of idola-
trye : And this ye faill not to do as yc will do us singnleir empleseur ; and so
committis you to the protection of God. From Edinbourygb the xii. of August
1560.
Faill not hot ye tak guid heyd that neyther Argyll.
the dasks, windocks, nor durriss, be ony (Signed) James Stew art.
ways hurt or broken .... eythcr Rutovkn.
glassin wark, or iron wark.
This letter is addressed on the back :
To our trayst freindis the Lairds of Arntuly and Kin way d.
- Introduction, Part i, page 27, to Picturesque Antiquities of Scotland, etched
by Adam de Cardonnel. London, 4to., 1788.
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THE niSTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 421
In tlie History of the Trades House of Glasgow, page 30, we find the
following entry: — " In 1579 Mr Melville, the Principal of the College,
assembled the people by tuck of drum to pnll down the Cathedral. The
Crafts ran immediately to arms, and informed Mr Melville that if any
person presumed to pull down a single stone of the church he should that
moment be buried under it ; and so much were they incensed at this
attempt to destroy this ancient building, that if the Magistrates had not
come and appeased them, they would have put to death Melville and all
his adherents. The leaders of this insurrection were summoned to appear
before the Council at Edinburgh, where the King (James the Sixth),
not thirteen years of age, approved of what the Craft had done, and
commanded the Ministers to proceed no further in that affair, saying
" that too many churches had been already destroyed ; and that he
would not tolerate any more abuses of that kind."
Assemblies of Masons were frequently convened at Holyrood-houso
to deliberate on the state of the Craft, and enact rules for their guidance.
On the 25th September 1590, a grant was made to and in favour of Sir
Patrick Coipland of Udaucht, ^ of the office of Wardanrie over the
^ A Grant by King James the VI, in favour of Patrick Coipland of Udaacht,
of the office of Wardanrie over the Craft of Masons within the Shires of
Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine, during hie life, conceived in the following
words : —
Are lettre maid, makand mentioun, that our Soverane Lord being informit of
the qualificatioun of Patrick Coipland of Udaucht, for using and exerceing of
the office of Wardanrie over the airt and craft of Masonrie ; and that his pre-
decessonris hes bene ancient poBsessouris of the said office of Wardanrie over
all the boundis of Aberdene, Banff, and Kincarne, lyikas the said Patrick him-
self is electit ane chosin to the said office be common consent of the maist pairt
of the Master Masounes within the sherriffdomes of Aberdene, Banff, and Kin-
came ; Thairfoir Gevand and Grantand to the said Patrick, the said office of
Wardanrie over the said craft of Masonis within the said hail tbrie sherriff-
domes, and makand him Wardane and Justice ovir them, for all the dayis of
his lyif ; With power to the said Patrick to use and exerce the said office alse
frielie in all respectis as ony uther Wardane of the said craft within this
realme dois or may do, or as the said Patrickis umquhile father usit and
exercit the samyn ; with all fees, priviledges, casualities, commodities and
dewities pertenyng thereto ; and with power also to him to hald wardane and
justis Courtis at quhatsumever pairt or place within the saidis boundis as he
sail think expediente ; and in the saidis courtis justice to quhatsumever parties
complenaud to minister as accord is of the law, deputtis under him, with clerkis,
serjandis, dempstaris, and all uthers officeris and members of court neidfall, to
mak, creat, substitute and ordane, for quhilkis he sail be haldin to answer,
unlawis amerceamentis and escheittis of the saidis courtis, to ask, lift, and
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422 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Craft of Masons within the shires of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine j
and on the 28th of December 1598, Statutes were framed to be observed
by the Master Masons in the realm of Scotland,' in which it is
distinctly enjoined that the Fellow-crafts shall enter their marks in
the Books of the Lodge." Other meetings were held shortly after-
wards, the manuscript Minutes of which are believed to be in the
possession of the Earl of Eglinton ; appended to one of these is the
following note :— *' The King being out of town to-day could not sign
the Minute." In the books of the Lodge Perth and Scone we find
that John Mylne, Master Mason to King James the Sixth, was, by
the Kings own desire, entered Freeman Mason and Fellow-craft in
the Lodge of Scone.
Although many of the Lodges have retained their operative character,
the majority now practise speculative Masonry only, which has descended
to us through the Ancient Operative Lodges, who have always prac-
tised both divisions. The English Masons have followed the same
course, and the state of the Craft is thus described by one who has
thoroughly investigated the subject : —
" If we survey Free Masonry as it existed in the early part of the
seventeenth century, we shall find it to consist of three Degrees only,
and these chiefly Operative. In our own country we search in vain for
evidence of a Lodge of pure Speculative Masonry. The Operative
Lodges preserved and transmitted our secrets, taught morality and
theoretical science, and received amongst their members Kings, Peers,
and Prelates, who were lovers of architectural studies and pursuits ; thus
blending Speculative with Operative Masonry, until the latter portion
was excluded in 1717. After this period I regret to say that Free
Masonry does not present the pleasing picture of Brethren working
together in harmony and brotherly love/* "
In modem times it has been the practice of many of the Royal Arch
Chapters to give the Mark Master's and Chair Master's Ceremonial as
separate Degrees, classing them after the Master's Degree ; this is con-
trary to the practice of the Ancient Craft Lodges, who class the former
raise ; and for the samyn, gif neid be, to poind and difitnnzie, assise and assises
ane or mae of the best and worthiest pereonis within the saidis boundis, and of
the foure half about leist suspect, and that beist knawis the veritie to sufficient
nowmer, to summond, warne, cheiss and caas be swome ; and generally, &c.
firm and stable, &c. At Haliradbouse, the 25th day of September, the year of
Gcd 1590. Per Signaturam.
1 Vide Appendix, No. Ill, p. 441, antea,
> Ibid., p. 442, antea, ' Oliver's Landmarks, vol. ii, p. 24.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 423
with the Fellow-craftf and the latter with the Master Mason Degree.
Dr Oliver, in referring to the Mark Master, in his Landmarks,^ re-
marks, " that this is usually classed after the Master^s Degree, hut in
strict propriety it ought to precede it, for the Mark Master is hut the
Master of a Lodge of Fellow-crafts."
This diiTerence of opinion was decided by the Grand Lodge of Scot-
land, in so far as it affected the Lodges under her jurisdiction, at the
Quarterly Communication held in November 1858. On that occasion
a representation was made by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Glas-
gow that the Lodge of Glasgow St John was practising the Mark
and Chair Master Degrees ; which Degrees, said the Memorialists, were
neither recognised nor practised by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. In
defence, it was stated that the Lodge of Glasgow St John did not re-
cognise them as separate Degrees, but as portions of the Fellow-craft
and Master s Degrees, sanctioned by the Laws and Constitutions of the
Grand Lodge. After mature deliberation, the Grand Lodge, without a
division, found that the Lodge of Glasgow St John was in perfect order,
and dismissed the cdmplaint.
For the information of those who may feel interested in examining or
collecting Mason's Marks from existing ancient buildings, it may be
proper to state that in many instances where the stones are much ex-
posed the original surfaces are worn off by the influence of the weather,
and consequently the marks do not appear, but will be found on the
more sheltered places, as on the Norman door at Holy rood Chapel,
where they are still to be seen behind the small shafts, as well as on
other parts of this beautiful structure, and also on the newel of the stairs
to Queen Mary's Rooms. The double mark is also to be seen upon
the lintel of the fire-place of the Crown Room in Edinburgh Castle.
The marks are very easily traced in Roslin Chapel ; on Melrose, Dry-
burgh, and Kelso Abbeys j on Smailholm Tower ; on the bed of the
stones of the old Church at Haddington ; on the Cathedral Church of
St Giles, Edinburgh, and on the Cathedrals of Glasgow, Dunblane, St
Andrews, and Kirkwall : In England on Tintern Abbey : In Ireland
on Youghal Cathedral : On the Ecclesiastical Buildings on the Con-
tinent ; and indeed on almost every old edifice.
The examples given in the following Plates are taken from places
widely apart, nevertheless, the striking similarity observable in many of
these will suggest to every thoughtful and intelligent Mark Mason a
lesson of deep meaning and importance.
^ Oliver's Landmarks, vol. ii, p. 26.
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424 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASOMRT.
CHAIR OR PAST MASTER.
Although this is now frequently communicated by Royal Arcli
Chapters as a separate Degree, with a formal initiatory ceremonial,
embracing words, signs, and tokens, it belongs to the Order of Craft
Masonry, and is still practised by many of the Lodges in the Third
Degree, but is only communicated to the newly elected Master when
about to be installed.
The Lodge is opened in the Third Degree in a separate apartment,
none but Past Masters being present, when the Master elect is examined
as to his knowledge and qualifications ; if no objection is made he is re-
ported to the Brethren as qualified to discharge the duties of Master of
the Lodge ; and when elected is obligated by the Past Masters to faith-
fully discharge the duties of his office, by rewarding industry and pro-
moting merit, seeing that the workmen are regularly and justly paid,
and the funds futhfully accounted for ; also that he will maintain and
enforce the laws of the Order. He also receives a word, sign, and token.
Few speculative references are attached to the ceremonial, it being pro-
perly only an obligation guaranteeing to the Lodge that the Master will
act faithfully and properly towards them.
ARK MARINER.
This is one of the minor Speculative Degrees, which is communicated
generally in Royal Arch Chapters. It is based upon the Mosaic account
of the Flood, which is amplified in the form of Question and Answer.
It is evidently modern, and supposed to have been invented about the
end of last century*
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From a Chamber in Ihe Great Pyram'id. Gizeh , Egypt .
From llerculancum.
From the Cathedral of Strasburg, France.
Fromthe Cathedral of Presburgh , Hungary.
Hex A t4 Xe-^X
From Furncss Abbey, England.
From You^hal , Ireland.
1128- 1180- Holyrood Chapel . Edinburgh .
Holyrood Palace Tower- 1620
1600- Crown Room, Edmburgh GasLlc.
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1446. Roslin Chapel.
1127- Dunkeld Cathedral.
1400- Melrose Abbey.
1200 - Glasgow Cathedral.
VTiM^i'VlAjhr
I
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Inch-Colme Abbey.
Linlithgow Palace.
1856. Palm House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
I583« Temple of Allahabad, India..
Round Tower, Brechin Cathedral.
Square Tower. Castle o-f Mclgund.
iifhn«.>il>>LittK<<>-
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From St. Ninians Masonic Lodge Book, Brechin.
From Journeymen Masons Lodge Book, Edinburgh.
Mason Mark of Robert Burns, inscribed upon the
Bible presented by him to "Highland Mary."
>-
\7
rr
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 425
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
It may be necessary to observe that the word Order, in Masonry,
signifies a Class, — a degree being a step or division of the Order. Thus,
the Order of St John's or Craft Masonry is divided into the three
degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow-craft, and Master Mason.
Royal Arch Masonry is only a degree, professing to be supplementary
to the third degree of St John's Masonry, and entirely of a speculative
character. Its number in order varies in the different systems with
which it is combined. In England it is placed immediately after the
third degree of Craft Masonry ; in the system of the Thirty-three it
is the thirteenth, and in that of the Chevalier Ramsay it is the seventh.
It is therefore evident that a definite position cannot be assigned to it.
As already noticed, its object is to supplement the third degree of St
John's Masonry, but this is entirely unnecessary, as it is known to
every intelligent Master Mason that this Order is complete in itself, ^
and that which was lost can only be found beyond the veil of time,
towards which the eye of the aspirant is directed ; moreover, it never has
been recognised by that Order, but, on the contrary, carefully prevented
from being in any way attached to it.
It has been suggested that at a very early period the Royal Arch
became a portion of the peculiar ceremony of reception into the Temple;
if so, it would have continued its connection with that Order, or left
some evidence on "which to found such an opinion. On its introduction
into this country it was practised, with some other minor degrees, in
the Temple Encampments, not on account of any pre-existing con-
nection, but because these were the only places where it could be associ-
ated, as the Ancient Craft Lodges never recognised the degree.
On the suppression of the Order of Knights Templars, about 1312, the
Knights of St John succeeded to large portions of their possessions,
called in Scotland Temple Lands, and enjoyed them till the Reformation,
when all Religious Orders were suppressed. Here their revenues were
great and their properties widely extended. Sir James Sandilands,
their last Preceptor in this country, was sent to France by the Congre-
gation-Parliament in 1560, to lay some proceedings before Francis and
^ You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make
innovation in the body of Masonry.— Charges at Instollationy Preston's Illus-
trations of Masonry ; vide also Appendix X, p. 474, aiUea,
28
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426
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Mary, bat the Cardinal of Lorraine loaded him with reproaches for
consenting to be the bearer 5f propositions from heretics, and he was
dismissed without answer. Having embraced the principles of the
Reformation, he, in 1563, resigned the property into the hands of Qneen
Mary, and she (by her ministers) erected these into the Barony of Tor-
phichen, and granted them in his favour in consideration of his great
merit and service, on payment of 10,000 golden crowrns, with an
annualrent of 500 mcrks.
King Robert Bruce is said to have been aided by the Templars on
the banks of the Forth, and to have created a similar order at Cambus-
kenneth, after the cavalry exploit of William Sinclair, Bishop of the
Caledonians. The Order has been revived at different periods since,
and when Secret Societies were prohibited they took shelter under
Masonry, as of a higher grade of that Order. But although both these
Orders in common tend to bring, or knit individuals together in the
bonds of amity, yel they are essentially different in many respects.
While in Masonry the members all meet on a footing of equality, "on
the level," the Order of the Temple embraces various grades and dis-
tinctions. There were Men-at-Arms, Squires, &c. ; and a Knight is
dubbed, not born. It is more select, and it is maintained on a scale of
considerably greater parade. Indeed, the two Orders have no other
affinity than that alluded to, viz. — of uniting members of a community
into a select society for promoting harmony and goodwill : There was no
mystery among the ancient Soldiers of the Cross, and thQre is none in
the Statutes of the Order of the present day. Prior to the Rebellion
of 1745 this Order was presided over by the Marquis of Tullibardine,
ancestor of the Duke of Athole.*
In reality, the Royal Arch Degree originated amongst the British
Royalists who were resident in Paris about the beginning of the
ast century. M. Reghellini de Schio distinctly states that it was
invented by the Scotch Chevalier Ramsay, who, he says, created a
new rite of the three symbolical degrees, and added four others,
founded upon new institutions and doctrines, — the last of the seven
being the Royal Arch, and the emblem by which the Church is always
symbolized.'
" Ramsay was affectionately attached to the family of Stuart and to
his native country ; he had co-operated heartily with those who en-
1 As a corollary to the above, vide Chapter V, tupm, p. 75, ei teq.
' In ** La Ma9onnerie consider^e comme le resultat des Religions Egyptienne,
Jnive, et Chretionne," torn, ii, page 124, it is said—*' un des reformateurs le
plus accredit es fut le Chevalier Ramsay, Ecoisais ; il creaen 1728 un nouvean
rite ; aux trois Grades Symboliques, il en ajonta quatre antrefl, basis snr de
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THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY. 427
deavoured to employ Masonry in the service of tbe Pretender^ and,
availing himself of the pre-eminence given (at first perhaps as a courtly
compliment) to Scotch Masonry, he laboured to shew that it existed,
and indeed arose daring the Crusades, and that there really was either
an order of chivaliy whose business it was to rebuild the Christian
churches destroyed by the Saracens, or that a Fraternity of Scotch
Masons were thus employed in the East under the protection of the
Knights of St John of Jerusalem. He found some facts which were
thought sufficient grounds for such an opinion, such as the building of
the college of these Knights in London, called the Temple, which was
actually done by the public Fraternity of Masons who bad been in the
holy wars. It is chiefly to him that we are indebted for that rage for
Masonic chivalry which distinguishes the French Free Masonry.
Ramsay was as eminent for his piety as he was for his enthusiasm, but
his opinions were singular. His eminent learning, his elegant talents,
his amiable character, and particularly his estimation at Court, gave
great influence to everything he said on a subject which was merely a
matter of fashion and amusement The refining genius of the French,
and their love of show, made the humble denominations^ of the English
Brethren disgusting ; and their passion for military rank, the only
character that connected them with the Court of an absolute monarch,
made them adapt Free Masonry to the same scale of public estimation,
and invent ranks of Maqons Chevaliers, ornamented with titles, and
ribands, and stars. These were highly relished by that people ; and
the price of reception, which was very high, became a rich fund, that
was generally applied to relieve the wants of the banished British and
Irish adherents of the unfortunate family who had taken refuge among
them."'
Based upon the Craft Degrees, the Speculative Degrees of Masonry
continued to be multiplied to such an extent, that Weishaupt, who
appears to have been intimately acquainted with the whole, de-
clares that " these systems are in fact but one. They have all sprung
from the Blue Lodge of three degrees ; take these for their standard,
and found on these all the improvements, by which each system is after-
wards suited to the particular object which it keeps in view."* It is
nouvelles institutions et doctrines : 1^* L'Ecossais ; 2^- Le Novice ; 3°. Le Chev.
du Temple, enfin' le 4^* et le dernier des sept etait le Royal A robe, sous
I'emhleme duquel TEglise est toujours symbolisde." — General Regulations fur
the Government of the Order of Royal Arch Masons of Scotland, 1845.
* The three Craft Degrees.
* Robibou's Proofs of a Conspiracy, 4th Edition, 1798.
8 Ihid,
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428 TUB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. «
eyident, tberefore, that the whole of what are termed the higher degrees
of Masonry^ inclnsire of the Royal Arch, were iavented about the com-
mencement of the last century, and introduced into this country shortly
thereafter. When we consider the class of society in which it was
invebted and practised, the whole arrangement accords with their ideas,-—
the gorgeous dresses of the officers, and the drapery and ornaments of
the Chapter, were calculated to please the fancy ; while the return of the
Jewish exiles, under their Prince Zerubbabel, to their own land, sym-
bolized their circumstances and the feelings which animated them,
although a different meaning was communicated to the aspirant
Some are of opinion that its institution is even of a more modem date,
as appears from Oliver's Landmarks of Freemasonry, where it is stated
that '' a committee of seceding Masons in America, in their report ( 1830)
say — ' It is certain that the primeval Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
was instituted a. d. 1747, at Arras, in France j that Moses Michael
Hayes, a Jew, introduced it, with the still deeper mysteries, into this
country (United States), by a patent dated December 6, 1778 ; that the
first mention of a Chapter of Masons in this country was in 1776 ; the
first Grand Chapter was instituted at Philadelphia in 1797 j and the
first General Grand Chapter of United States was instituted in the city
of New York, June 6, 1816/ Other authorities say that it was intro-
duced into America in 1764 ; while Clavel and others contend that the
Royal Arch degree was only established in 1777, and had its origin in
England. But we possess substantial evidence of its prior existence.
A work called " Hiram, or the Master Key to the Door of Freemasonry,"
was published in 1766, by a person styling himself a Member of the
Royal Arch, Lawrence Dermott, after some remarks on the conduct of
certain Brothers who were dissatisfied at not having been admitted to
the Royal Arch, says — * To this I will add the opinion of our Worship-
ful Brother, Dr Fitfield D'Assigney, printed in the year 1744.' 'Some
of the Fraternity,' says he, ' hare expressed an uneasiness at the Royal
Arch being kept a secret from them, since they ha<l already passed
through the ttsxml degrees of probation ; but I cannot help being of
opinion that they have no right to any such benefit until they make a
proper application, and are received with due formality oa having passed
tlie chair, and given undeniable proofs of their skill." It is evident,
therefore, that the degree was in existence before 1744 ; and that it
was conferred only on Past Masters."*
Stone says, (See Letters, p. 26,) " properly speaking there are only
three Degrees of Ancient Masonry, all others having been engrafted upon
' Oliver'a Landmarks, vol. ii. Lecture xxxv, Note 3, p. 349.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY. 429
the original stock within the last hundred years." Preston also re-
marks,— " it is well known to the Masons of this conntry that some
men of warm and enthusiastic imaginations have been disposed to amplify
parts of the institution of Freemasonry, and in their supposed improve-
ments to have elevated their discoveries into new degrees ; to which
they have added ceremonies, rituals, and dresses, ill suited to the native
simplicity of the Order, as it was originally practised in this country.
But in aU theso degrees, though probably deserving reprehension, as
improper innovations on the original system of Masonry, I can never
believe that they have either proceeded from bad motives, or could be
viewed in any other light than as innocerU and inofensive amttsemerUs,*'^
It is thus evident that the many additional degrees of Masonry are
of modem origin, and the Royal Arch certainly not older than 1728.
Beyond a mere assertion, there is no evidence of any kind of its existence
in this country previous to 1743. The Minute-book of the Stirling
Royal Arch Chapter commences at that date.
The Lodge Ancient, Stirling, possesses two small brass plates, to which
some importance is attached — they are rudely engraved, but the drawing
is not old. " One of these relates to the two first degrees of Masonry—
the other contains on the one side certain emblems belonging to a Master's
Lodge, and on the reverse five figures ; the one at the top is called the
' Redd Cross or Ark * — ^at the bottom is a series of concentric arches, which
might be mistaken for a rainbow were there not a key-stone on the sum-
mit, indicative of an arch j the three other figures are inclosed within a
border ; the upper is called the ' Sepulchre,' the second ' Knights of
Malta,' and the third ' Night Templar.' "' The age of these plates is said
to be unknown, but they appear to have been used as tracing-boards, and
indicate their having been prepared for the Royal Arch Chapter, — none
of the supplementary degrees being given with St John's Masonry, — and
cannot be assigned an older date than the middle of the eighteenth
century.
The Stirling Royal Arch Chapter is certainly the oldest in Scot-
land, none of the others having evidence of their being instituted
until some years afterwards, — some holding Charters from Ireland, and
others without any authority. In 1811 a number of them, with the
Masonic Knight Templars, formed themselves into a Supreme Knight
Templar Encampment, under a patronizing Charter from the late Duke
of Kent ; and in 1817 the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland was
^ Preston, quoted by Dr Oliver ia his Landmarks, vol. ii. Lecture xxv,
Note 89, p. 36.
* General Regulations for the Government of the Order of Royal Arch
Masons of Scotland, 1845.
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430 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
formed; bnt it did not assume a distioct recognition of several of the
degrees which it now superintends until 1845, when it intimated that
its Chapters are entitled to grant the following degrees : — Mark, Pasty
Excellent; and Royal Arch, as also the Royal Ark Mariners, and the
Babylonish Pass, which last is commonly but erroneously called the
Red Cross, and is composed of three points — Knights of the Sword —
Knights of the East — and Knights of the East and West. The Supreme
Chapter appears to have been in doubt at that time regarding their
power to interfere with Mark and Past Master's degrees, and acknow-
ledge the power of the Grand Lodge of Scotland to grant them,' although
recently they have most unwarrantably assumed the CQtire superintend-
ence thereof.
The nature and object of Royal Arch Masonry may be generally
understood from the following statement in Oliver's Historical Land-
marks of Freemasonry, vol. ii, Lecture xxxv : —
" The symbols and ornaments which are displayed on the Royal
Arch tracing-boards, as well as the forms and ceremonies at present
observed in our Chapters, are said to have been adopted by our pre-
decessors at the building of the second temple, and were intended to
impress upon the minds of Royal Arch Masons to the end of time, the
providential means of a series of important discoveries, by which the
Jewish Nation was enlightened by a knowledge of the truth, without a
fresh revelation, after all traces of the written law had been swept away
at the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar ; and the knowledge
and worship of the true God was only retained by memory, and trans-
mitted by oral tradition amongst the remnant of His people, existing by
sufferance, and as exiles and captives, in the midst of an idolatrous
Nation, practising a splendid superstitiou, profusely decorated with all
the adjuncts which might render it imposing and attractive."
The period and circumstances under which the Degree is said to have
originated, was in the first year of Cyrus, and the seventieth of the
Babylonian captivity. The following is a summary of the traditionary
Narrative : —
" God took pity on a miserable people, according to what he had
foretold by the prophet Jeremiah, and before the destruction of Jerusa-
' Nor can any one be recognised as a Mark or Past Master, who has not
received theso degrees in a Lodge or Chapter whose right to grant them is
recognised by the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter or Grand Lodge of Scotland,
nor unless he produces his certificate of the Mark degree. — General Regula-
tions for the Government of the Ordor of Royal Arch Masons of Scotland,
1845, last clause of Rule 28.
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MA80NRY. 431
lem^ viz. — That after seventy years bondage under Nebuchadnezzar and
his successor, they should be restored to their own country, see the
temple rebuilt, and return to the state of their former glory. This was
all made good to them accordingly j as, by the immediate commission of
Cyrus, the materials were prepared in the course of seven months, and
in the second month of the second year the foundation was laid ; and
he constituted for his Most Excellent Principals^ Zerubbabel and Joshua;
but they had no sooner begun to build than the Samaritans put obstruc-
tions in their way. They first, under pretence of joining as Companions
in the work, desired to be entered among them, and to become Com-
panions of the same Chapter. The Most Excellents aware of their
design, refused any connection with them, because they were of such
as was left to cultivate the vineyards, and several other purposes.
But the failure of their plot did not discourage them, for they tried to
bribe the Counsellors and Governors, and the great men at the Court
of Persia, that they were a seditious assembly, and were professed
enemies to the king, and they continued retarding the work of the
temple in this manner till the reign of Darius. And the building was
at a stand for about fifteen years, till God, by his prophets Haggai and
Zechariah, roused the Companions to renew the building.
" No sooner began the work to revive than the jealousy of their
neighbours began to appear. The Governors of Samaria immediately
inquired into the authority by which the Companions proceeded. These
were not however afraid or ashamed to produce their Charter, and to
give in the names of their Most Excellent Principals and the authors
of their work. The Governors, Tatnai and Shetharboznai, hereupon
despatched a letter to Darius the king, informing him of what was doing.
They reported to him that they had visited the province of Judea, and
observed there a magnificient structure raising to the great God whom
the Jews worshipped, which was carried on with assiduity and zeal ; that^
on inquiring into the authority on which they presumed thus to act, they
received for answer, ' That this house, which a great king among them
had formerly erected, and for their sins God had suffered Nebuchadnezzar
to destroy, Cyrus had given them a commission to rebuild, and had
restored to them, with all the vessels which he had carried to Babylon ;
in consequence of which they had proceeded under the direction of Shes-
bazzar their prince, and that ever since they had been at work upon it,
though, by reason of the interruptions they had met, it was not yet
finished.' The Governors begged therefore, that if the King pleased,
search might be made in the records respecting the truth of this decree
in their favour, and that he would inform them of his pleasure in the
matter.
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432 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
" Search was made, in consequence, after the original record in the
House of the Rolls, and it was found in Achmeth, the summer residence
of the kings of Bahylon, and it contained not only a commission for
huilding the house, hut a command to the Governors to furnish out
of the revenue all necessary materials. Darius hereupon, perfectly
satisfied, confirmed the edict in its full extent.
" Upon the death of Zerubhabel, the administration, both of civil and
ecclesiastical affairs, devolved upon Ezra. But in the twentieth year of
Artaxerxes Longimanus, Nehemiah, who was one of that prince's cup-
bearers, obtained leave to go to Jerusalem, with a full commission (as
Governor of Judea) to repair the walls, set up the gates, and fortify the
city again in the same manner as it had been before it was dismantled
by the Babylonians.
'' He for that purpose divided his workmen into companies (more
properly Lodges, Chapters, and Encampments, and a Grand Conclave,)
assigned to each of them the quarter where they were to work, but
reserved to himself the reviewal and direction of the whole, in which he
laboured so efiectually as to complete the work, notwithstanding the
utmost efforts of his enemies, both within and without the walls, to
retard his design . Nehemiah had the one-half of his guards continually
accoutred, whilst the other half worked on the wall, and relieved each
other. Every builder had his sword on his thigh, and his weapons
ready at hand, that at a moment's warning he might be ready. Their
priests and rulers also stood behind them to encourage them, and
Nehemiah kept a trumpeter near him, that at any approach of danger,
on the signal given, they might immediately assemble in a body where
he was.
" The pious Nehemiah was the last Governor that the kings of
Persia sent to Jerusalem ; after his death the High Priest of Jerusalem
acted as Most Excellent Grand Principal of Judea, as well under the
Persians as the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks, however, were not
much famed for their high taste in the royal art till the time of Thales
the Milesian, who was the first that brought geometry, with other great
improvements, out of Egypt into Greece ; one of whose pupils was the
learned Pythagoras."
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APPENDIX.
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APPENDIX I.
CHARTER GRANTED BT THE MASONS OF SCOTLAND TO WILLIAM ST CLAIR
OF EOSLIN.
(Prom the Original ; referred to <U page 52, supra,)
Be IT KEND till all men be thir present letters ws Deacons Maistres
and freemen of the Masons within the realme of Scotland with express
consent and assent of W™ Schaw Maister of Wark to our Son*"® Lord
ffor sa meikle as from aige to aige it has been observit amangis that the
Lairds of Rosling has ever been Patrons and Protectors of as and our
priviledges likeas our predecessors has obeyed and acknowledged them
as Patrones and ^'tectoris while that within thir few years throwch
negligence and sleuthfulness the samyn has past furth of Tse whereby
not only has the Laird of Rosling lyne out of his just rycht but also our
hail craft has been destitute of ane patron and protector and overseer
qUc \^f^ genderit manyfauld corr^iptions and imperfections, baith amangis
ourselves and in our craft and has given occasion to mony person es to
conseve evill opinioun of ws and our craft and to leive ojQT great enter*-
prises of policie be reason of our great misbehaviour w^out correction
whereby not only the committers of the faults but also the honest men
are disapoyntit of their craft and ^ffeit As lyikwayes when divers and
sundrie contraversies falls out amangis ourselfs thair follows great and
manyfald inconvenientis through want of ane [Patron and Protector]
we not being able to await upon the ordinar judges and judgement of
this realme through the occasioun of our powertie and langsumness of
process for remeid q'of and for keeping of guid ordour amangis us in all
tymes cum3mg, and for advancement of our craft and vocationn within
this realme and furthering of policie within the samyn We for ourselves
and in name of our haill bretherene and craftismen with consent foresaid
agrees and consents that W^ Sinclar now of Rosling for himself & his
airis purchase and obtene at y® hands of our Sou^® Lord libertie fredome
and jurisdictioun vpone ns and our successors in all tymes cummyng as
patrons and judges to us and the haill ^'fessoris of our craft w4n this
realme quhom off we have power and commission sua that hereafter we
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436 THE HISTORY OF PBBB MASONRY.
may acknawlege bim and his airis as onr patrone and judge under our
Souerane Lord without ony kind of appellation or declynyng from his
judgement with power to the said Williame and his airis to depute
judges ane or mae under him and to use sick ampill and large jurisdio-
tione upon us and our successors als weill as bnrghe as land as it shall
pleise our Souerane Lord to grant to him & his airis
WILLIAM SCHAW, Maistir of Wark
Edinbwrgh — Ahdro Sthsonb Jhohe Robesounb
StAndrote-^ *•***•*
ffadingtown^'P, Campbell takand ye burdynj? for Jon. Saw
J. Vallancb Willm. Aittoun
Ackitaone ffeavin — Georo Aittoun Jo. Fwsetter Thomas Petticrip
Dunfermling— "Robert Pest
Thomas Weie mason in Edr. Thomas Robertsodn wardane of the Lndge
of Dunfermlin^ and Sanct Androis and takand the burding upon him
for the brethren of the Mason Craft within they Lwdges and for the
Commissioners efter mentionat viz. David Skowoall Alexander Gil-
bert and David Spens for the Lwdge of Sanct Androis Andrew Ali-
sons and Archibald Anoous Commissionaris for the Lwdge of Dwm-
fermling and Robert Balzb of IIaddiu<;ton with our handis led on the
pen be the notaris underwritten at our commandis because we can nocht
write
Ita est Laurentius Robesoun notarius publicus ad prasmissa requiaitus de
specialibns mandatis diet, persouarum scribere ncscien. ut aseruerunt testan.
manu mea propria
[Ita est] Henbicub Banna[tyne] connotarius ad premissa [de mandatis]
antedictarnm personarum [scribere nescientium ut aseruerunt teste] manu mea
propria
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APPENDIX II. 437
APPENDIX II.
CHARTER GRANTED BY THE MASONS OF SCOTLAND TO SIR WILLIAM
ST CLAIR.
(Fnm. Hit Original; referred to at pages 51, 52, 53, and 57, tupra.)
Be it kend till all men be thir present letters ws the Peacones Mas-
teris friemen of the Maissones and Hammermen within the kingdome
of Scotland That forsameikill as from aidge to aidge it has been observet
amangis us and onr predecessors that the Lairdis of Rosling has ever
been patrons and protectors of ns and onr priviledgis Likeas our prede-
cessors has obeyit reverencet and acknowledget them as patrons and
protectors q'of they had letters of protection and vtheris richtis grantit
be his Ma**^ most noble progenitors of worthy memorie q^"* with sindrie
Ttheris of the Lairdis of Rosling his writtis being consumet and brunt
in ane flame of fire within the Castle of Rosling in an The con-
sumation and burning q'of being clearly knawin to us and our prede-
cessors deacons maisteris and freemen of the saidis vocations, and our
protection of the samyn and priviledgis thereof [be negligence] and
slouthfulness being likely to pass furth of us where throw not only wald
the Lairdis of Rosling lyne out of their just richt but also our bail craftis
wald half bene destitute of ane patrone protector and oversear quhilk
wald engenner monyfald imperfectionis and cormptionis baith amangis
ourselves and in our craft and give occasione to mony persones to con-
ceive evill opinioun of us and our craft and to leave af many and grit
enterpryces of policie whilk wald be vndertaken if our grit misbehaviour
were suffered to goe on without correctioun For remeid q''of and for
keeping of good ordour amangis us in all time coming and for advance-
ment of our craft and vocation within his Hienes kingdom of Scotland
and furdering of policie yaireintill the maist pairt of onr predecessors
for themselves and in name and behalfe of our bretherene and craftsmen
with express advice and consent of William Schaw Maister of Wark to
Hienes umq^ darrest father of worthy memorie all in ane voce agreit
consentit and subscryvet that William Sinclar of Rosling father to Sir
William Sinclar now of Rosling for himself and his airis should purches
and obtain at the hands of his Majestic libertie freedome and jurisdic-
tionn upon us and our predecessors deacons maisteris and freemen of the
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438 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
saidis Yocation, as patrones and judges to us and the baill professors
thereof within the said kingdom q'of they had power and commission
sua that t^ey and we micht yairafter acknowledge him and his airis as
patrone and judge under our SoYerane Lord without any kind of appel-
lation or declinatonr from thair judgement fordYer, as the said agreement
subscryYet be the said M' of Wark and our predecessors at mare length
proportis In the whilk office priviledge and jurisdictioun over us and
our said [voca]tioun the said William Sinclar of Rosling ever continuit
to his going to Ireland q' he presently reamanes sen the quhilk [time]
of his departure furth of this realme there are Yery many corruptiounes
and imperfectionnes risen and ingennerit baith amangis ourselfis and in
our saidis Yocatiounes in defect of ane patrone and oYersear over us and
the samyn Sua that our saidis Yooatiounes are altogether likely to decay
And now for safety thereof we having full experience of the efauld good
skill and judgement whilk the said S' William Sinclar now of Rosling
has in our said craft and Yocatioun and for reparation of the mines and
manifold corruptiounes and enormities done be unskilfull persones there^
intill We all in ane Yoce have ratified and approven and be thir pre-
sents ratifies and approves the foresaid former letter of jurisdictioun
and libertie made and sub* be our brethrene and his Hienes umq^® M^ of
Wark for the time to the said Williame Sinclar of Rosling father to the
said S' William whereby he and his airis are acknowledget as our
patrone and judge under our Soverane Lord over us and the haill pro-
fessors of our said YOcatioun within this his Hienes kingdom of Soot-
lande without any appelation or declinato' from their judgements in ony
[time hereafter] forever And further we all in ane voce as said is of
new have made constitute and ordainit and be thir presentis makis
constitutes and ordanes the said Sir William Sinclar now of Rosling
and his airis maill our only patrones protectors and overseers under our
Soverane Lord to us and our successors deacons maisteris and freemen
of our saidis vocatiounes of Masons hammermen within the haile king-
dome of Scotland and of our haille priviledges and jurisdictiounes
belonging thereto wherein he his father and their predecessors Lairdia
of Rosling have been in use of possessioun thir many aidges bygain
with full power to him and them be themselves thair wardens and
deputis to be constitute be them to affix and appoint places of meeting
for keeping of good ordour in the said craft als oft and sua ofl as need
shall require all and sundry persones that may be knawin to be subject
to the said vocatioun to be called absentis to amerciat transgressuris to
punish unlawes casualities and vtheris duties whatsomever pertaining
and belonging or that may fall to bo pait be whatsomever persone or
persones subject to the said craft to aske crave receive intromet with
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APPENDIX II. 430
and uplift and the samyn to their own proper use to apply deputtis
under them in the said office with clerkis seruandis assisteris and all
other officers and memberis of court needful! to make create substitute
and ordain for whom they shall be holden to answer all and sundry
plentls actions and causes pertaining to the said craft and vocation and
against whatsomever person or persones professors thereof to hear dis-
cuss decerne and decyde acts duties and sentences thereupon to pro-
nunce And the samyn to due execution to cause be put and generallie
all and snndrie other priviledges liberties and immunities whatsomevor
concerning the said craft to doe use and exerce and cause to be done
and exercet and keipit siklyke and als freely in all respects as any
vyeris thair predecessors has done or might have done themselves in
anytime bygane freely quietly well and in peace but any revocatiouu
obstacle impediment or again calling quhtsomevir In witness of the
qlke thing to thir presenttis wtin be Alexander Aikinheid servitor to
Andrew Hay wrytter we have sub* thir Vnts with our handls at . . . ^
Tke Ludt/e of EdinbwrgK
William Wallace decon John Watt Thouas Patsbsonb
The Ludge of Glcarjow.
John Boyd deakiu Rot. Botd ane of the mestres
« * « • •
Hew Dodok deikon of the Measounes aud Vrichtis off Ayre and Georoh
Li]>[bll] deacan of quarimen and dov quartermaster
The Ludge of Stirlinge
John Thomsons Jambs Rind
The Lvulge of Dunfermlinge
[RoBBBT Alisonb one of the masters of Duiifermling]
The Ludge of *
The LwJge of Dundee
Robert Straohounb roaster
RoBEUT Johnstone Mr of [ ] David Mesonb hU of [ ]
Thomas Flbmiko wardane in Edinburgh and Hugh Forrist with our hands
att the pen led be the notar under sab^ for us at our command because we can-
not wryt. A. Hat notarius asseruit
Robert Caldwell in Glasgow with my hand at the pen led be the notar
under subscrywand for me because I cannot writt myself J. Henrysonr
notarius asseruit
^ [For the probable date, see remarks thereon in Note 4, p. 52, iupra, — £.]
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440 THE HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY.
I John Sbrybiti Mr of ye Craftis in Stirling with my hand att ye pen led
be the notar under subscryvand for me beoause I cannot writt J. Hbnrtbohb
notarius asBernit
I John Bubne ane of the mris. of Dumfermling with my hand att the pen led
be the notar under snbsory wand for me at my command because I cannot writ
myself J. Henbysonb notarius asseruit
Dayid Robertson ane of ye mesteris Andrew Weisonb master and Thomas
[ W]blsonb varden of the sed Lndg of Sant Androis Andbew Wast and Datid
QuHTiT maisteris in Dundee with our hands att the pen led be the notar under
subscryvand att our commands becanse we cannot writt Thomas Robbbtsom
notarius asseruit
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APPENDIX III. 441
APPENDIX III.
(Frvm the Original ; referred to at page 53, wpra,)
At Halyrttdehouse Edinbargh the xxviij day of December the
zeir of God I™ V° four scoir awchtene zeiris.
The Statntis and Ordinanceis to be obserait be all the Maister^
Maissounis within this realme sett doun be Williame Schaw
Maister of Wark to his Maiestie and generall Wardene of the
said Craft with the consent of the Maisteris efter specifeit.
Item First that thay obserue and keip all the gude Ordinanceis sett
doun of befoir concernying the priviligeis of thair Craft be thair pre-
decessoris of gude memorie, and specialie That thay be trew ane to ane
vther and leve cheritablie togidder as becomis swome brother and com*
panzeoanis of Craft.
Item That thay be obedient to thair Wardeneis Dekynnis and Mais^
teris in all thingis concernying thair Craft.
Item That thay be honest feithfuU and diligent in thair calling and
deill uprichtlie w^ the maisteris or awnaris of the warkis that thay sail
tak Tpoun hand be it in task meit & fie or owklie wage.
Item That nane tak ypoun hand ony wark gritt or small quhilk he is
nocht abill to performe qaalifeitlie vnder the paine of fourtie pundis
money or ellis the fonrt part of the worth and valour of the said wark
and that by and attour ane condigne amendis and satisfaccione to be
maid to the awnaris of the wark at the sycht and discretione of the
generall Wardene or in his absence at the sycht of the Wardeneis
Dekynnis and Maisteris of the Sheriffdome quhair the said wark is
interprisit and wrocht.
Item That ua Maister sail tak ane Tther Maisteris wark over his heid
efter that the first Maister hes aggreit w^ the awnar of the wark ather
be contract arles or verball conditione ynder the paine of fourtie pundis.
Item That na Maister sail tak the wirking of ony wark that vther
Maisteris hes wrocht at of befoir vnto the tyme that the first wirkaris
be satisfeit for the wark quhilk thay haif wrocht vnder the paine foirsaid.
Item That thair be ane Wardene chosin and electit ilk zeir to haif
the charge over everie Ludge as thay are devidit particularlie and that
be the voitis of the Maisteris of the saids Ludgeis and consent of thair
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442 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Wardene generall gif he happenis to be present and vtherwayis that he
be adaerteist that sic ane Wardene is chosin for sic ane zeir to the effect
that the Wardene generall may send sic directions to that Wardene
electit as effeiris.
Item That na Maister sail tak onj ma Prenteissis nor thre during his
Ijfetjme w^out ane speciall consent of the haill Wardeneis Dekjnnis
and Maisteris of the Sheriffdome qnhair the said Prenteiss that is to be
ressavit dwellis and remanis.
Item That na Maister ressave onj Prenteiss bnnd for fewar zeirxs nor
sevin at the leist and sicljke it sail nocht be lesum to mak the said
Prenteiss Brother and Fallow-in-Craft ynto the tjme that he haif sernit
the space of vther sevin zeiris efter the ische of his said Prenteisship
w^out ane speciall licence granttit be the Wardeneis Dekynnis and
Maisteris assemblit for that cans and that sufficient tryall be tane of the
wortbynes qualificationis and skill of the persone that desyirs to be
maid Fallow-in-Craft and that vnder the paine of fourtie pundis to be
upliftit as ane pecuniall penaltie fra the persone that is maid Fallow-in-
Craft aganis this ordonr besyde the penalteis to be sett doun aganis his
persone accordyng to the ordonr of the Lndge qnhair he remanis.
Item It sail nocht be lesum to na Maister to sell his Prenteiss to ony
vther Maister nor zit to dispens w* the zeiris of his Prenteisship be sell-
ing y'of to the Prenteisses self vnder the paine of fourtie pundis.
Item That na Maister ressave ony Prenteiss w^)ut he signifie the
samyn to the Wardene of the Ludge qnhair he dwellis to the effect that
the said Prenteissis name and the day of his ressavyng may be orderlie
buikit.
Item That na Prenteiss be enterit hot be the samyn ordour that the
day of thair entereis may be buikit.
Item That na Maister or Fallow-of-Craft be ressavit nor admittit
w^ut the numer of six Maisteris and tua enterit Prenteissis the Wardene
of that Ludge being ane of the said six and that the day of the ressavyng
of the said Fallow-of-Craft or Maister be orderlie buikit and bis name
and mark insert in the said buik w* the names of his six admittors and
enterit Prenteissis and the names of the intendaris that salbe chosin in
euerie persone to be alsua insert in thair buik. Providing alwayis that
na man be admittit w^out ane assay and sufficient tryall of his skill and
wortbynes in his vocation and craft.
Item That na Maister wirk ony Maissoun wark vnder charge or com-
mand of ony vther craftisman that takis vpoun hand or vpoun him the
wirkingjpf ony Maissoun wark.
Item That na Maister or Fallow-of-Craft ressave ony cowanis to wirk
in his societie or cumpanye nor send nanc of his servands to wirk
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APPENDIX III. 443
w^ cowanis vnder the paine of twentie pundis so often as onj persone
offendis heirintilL
Item It sail nocht be lesam to na enterit Prenteiss to tak onj vther
gritter task or wark ypoun hand fra a awnar nor will extend to the
samme of ten pundis vnder the paine foirsaid to wit xx lib and that task
being done they sail interpryiss na mair w^ont licence of the Maisteris or
Wardeneis quhair thay dwelle.
Item Gif ony questionis stryfe or variance sail fall out amang ony of
the Maisteris Servands or entert Prenteissis that the parteis that fallis in
qnestiouu or debat sail signifie the cansis of thair querrell to the per-
ticular Wardeneis or Dekynnis of thair Ludge w*in the space of xxiiij
hours vnder the paine of ten pundis to the effect that thay may be recon-
cilit and aggreit and thair variance removit be thair saids Wardeneis
Dekynnis and Maisteris and gif ony of the saids parteis salhappin to
remane wilfull or obstinat that thay salbe deprivit of the privilege of
thair Ludge and nocht permittit to wirk y'at vnto the tyme that thay
Bubmitt thame selffis to ressoun at the sycht of thair Wardeneis Dekynnis
and Maisteris as said is.
Item That all Maisteris interpriseris of warkis be verray carefuU to se
thair skaffoldis and futegangis snrelie sett and placit to the effect that
throw thair negligence and sloth na hurt or skaith cum vnto ony per-^
sonis that wirkis at the said wark vnder the paine of dischargeing of
thaim y'efter to wirk as Maisteris havand charge of ane wark hot sail
ever be subiect all the rest of thair dayis to wirk vnder or w* ane other
principall Maister havand charge of the wark.
Item That na Maister ressave or resett ane vther Maisteris Prenteiss
or Servand that salhappin to ryn away fra his Maisteris seruice nor
intertanye him in his cnnipanye efter that he hes gottin knowledge
y'of vnder the paine of fourtie pundis.
Item That all personis of the Maissounis Craft conuene in tyme and
place being lawchfullie wamit vnder the paine of ten pundis.
Item That all the Maisteris that salhappin to be send for to ony
assemblie or roeitting sail be swome be thair grit aith that they sail
hyde nor conceill na fiftwltis nor wrangis done be ane vther nor zit the
fauUis or wrangis that ony man hes done to the awnaris of the warkis
that thay haif had in hand sa far as thay knaw and that vnder the paine
of ten pundis to be takin vp fra the conceillars of the saitlis faultis.
Item It is ordanit that all thir foirsaids penalteis salbe liftit and
tane vp fra the offendaris and breakaris of thir ordinanceis be the War-
deneis Dekynnis and Maisteris of the Ludgeis quhair the offendaris
dwellis and to be distributit ad pios usus accordyng to gude conscience
be the advys of the foirsaids. And for fulfilling and obseruing of thir
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444 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
ordinanceiB sett doun as said is the hail] Maisteris conuenit the foirsaid
day bindis and oblisses thaim heirto faithfullie and thairfore hes reqaeis-
tit thair said Wardene generall to sabscrive thir presentis w* his awin
hand to the effect that ane autentik copy heirof may be send to earie
particular Lndge wMn this realme.
I
1
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APPENDIX IV. 445
APPENDIX IV.
" ACTI8 AND STATUTIS" FOR THE GOVERNMENT OP THE SEVERAL " AIRTI8
AND CRAFTIS" IN THE KINGDOM OF SCOTLAND.
(From an old MimUe-Book of Lodge Aitchison^g Bcmen,)
At Falkland the Twentie-sext day of October J™ vj and Threttie-
sex yeiris
The qnhilk day in ane melting baldin be Sir Anthonie Alexander
Gencrall Wardene and M' of Work to bis Majestie of the Kingdome of
Scotland of certane persoanes Artificereis and Craftismen of the Craftis
and Airtis restine vndirwrittin for ordonr takeing with the bulks and
abnsses committit in the saidis Craftis and Airtis and reformeing of the
samen be establischeing of snch protestis as thairby his Majesftes leiges
may not be prejadgeit be anie of the saidis Artificiers or Craftismen in
the discbairge of thair saidis Craftis or Airtis and qahairby they may
leive the more peiceablie among thameselffis in tyme cuming and the
said Sir Anthonie Alexander Generall Wardene and M' of Work for-
said eftir conference with the saidis Artieficiers k Craftismen rcsolveit
vponn the Actis and Statutis following bis Majesties aactoritie intir-
ponit thairto
In the first it is thought meit that thair sal be establiscbeit companies
of the Airtis and Craftis of Masouus Vrichtis Shipvrichtis Cowpers
Glassinvricbtis Painteris Plumberis Sclaittours Plaistereris and vtfaeris
Airtieficeris of Buildingies in ilk convenient plaice of the haill Kingdome
of Scotland quhair thair is na establiscbeit companies be liberties & seills
of canss alredie ilk companie being be tfaameselves to the number of
twentie persounes that unioun and concord may be keipit amangis
thame ', quhilks companies to be sua establiscbeit sail have power to
take assayis and tryell of the qualieficatioanes of all the saids Airtis and
Craftis thairof and being fund qualiefiet and of guid lyff and qualiefica-
tiouns to admitt thame M'" of the saids Airtis and Craftis to the effect the
persounis to be sua admitted may serve his Majesties leiges in all these
pairtis of the said kingdome quhan thair is no privieledgeit companies
alredie quhilks admissiounes sail be alwayis reput lawful! baveing ye ap-
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446 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
probatioun of sex M" of Massounes to the admissioun of ilk M' Masone
sex M" of Vrichtis to the admissioun of ilk ane Vricht, twa M" of
Shipvrichtis to the admissioun of ilk Shipvricht, twa M*^ of
Cowperis to the admissioun of ilk Cowper twa M'^ of Glassinyrichtis
to the admissioun of ilk Glassinyricht and twa personns M" of ilk ane
of the same vther Craftis to the admissioun of M" of the same Airtis
and Craftis respective and gif defects of the saids numberis of M^ of the
8*^ generaU companies sail be then the nixt adjacent companies sail
supplie the samen defective and that everie particular admissioun of
the same Craftis respective sail be buikit in thair severall companies
buiks conteining the day and plaice of the same admissioun The names
of the persouns admitteris with the names of the persoun admitted and
Airt quhair vnto he is admitted For the quhilks admissiouns ilk persoun
to be sua admitted sail pay the soume of threttie pundis Scottis money
quhairof the eqnall half to the s^ generall Wardane and the vther equall
halff of the same to the box of the saids companies
Item For the guid of his Majesties leiges and weill of the saids Airtis
ilk severall companies to be sua establischeit sail have power yeirlie
from yeir to yeir in all tyme cuming to elect and chuise out of ilk
ane of the same companies ane sufficient discreit qualiefiet persoun of
guid lyn knawledge and vnderstanding of anie ane of the foirnameit
Craftis to be thair Wardane Ovirsman or Deacone qnha and everie
ane of thame sail have power to suppres all vilanes vnqualiefiet and
vnadmitted persounis vsurperis of the saids Craftis with the takeing
of bribes with vnsufficient works of all sorts of false deceitful! meitt^
ingis of Measouns belonging to any of the saids Airtis and repairing
all pairties interest of all wrongis to be committit als weill to be
done be any of the saids Craftis ilk ane of thame to vtheris to ym-
ployiers and owneris of works as of the saids Craftis ilk ane of thame
to vtheris conforme to equitie and to collect all fynes and vnlawes to
be ympobit vpoun ye contraveineiris of ye Actis sett doun or to be sett
doun be ye said Generall Wardane with consent of thair companies
and the said Deacone or Warden to be sua electit be the saids com-
panies his name to be given up yeirlie to the said Generall Wardane
and to be comptabill to him and his deputis of the equall half of all
rnlawis and vtheris to be coUectit be him and of the dischairge of his
office and the vther half of the samen vnlawis to the box of the saids
companies
Item The said Ovirsman Wardane or Deacone to be sua electit at his
electioun in the said office sail sweir and protest befoir God that he sail
administrat his office during his abyding yrintill truelie lawfullie and with
his honest duetie and diligence yrintill but feid or favor of any persoun
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APPENDIX IV. 447
Item Evirie Corapanie of the saids Craftis to be establischeit as said
is sail have power of electiving of ane Box Master of any persoun of thair
said companio from yeir to yeir aud the castodie of thair ef^ box and
mony yerin to be iDtrnstit in his hands being ane responsable man quha
sail be anserabill for his intromissionis thairwith to the remanent of the
companie and to be distributit as they sail think expedient
Item That no persoun or personnis be admitted Masteris of any of
the saids companies hot sic as have serveit and past ther prenteisship in
the saids Craftis and gyf he be fund to have bought doun any of the
tyme of his indentor or yit not serveit the spaice yairof albeit he have
his M" dischairge he also sail not be ressaveit and adraittit ane Master
Item That no admittit M" tak any Prenteiss for fewre yeires nor the
number of seavin yeires and his Master sail give him nane doun thairof
nor any fie all the said tyme vnder the pane of ffourtie punds mony
fors^ the equall half q''of to appertein to the s^ Generall Wardane and
the vther equall halff to be givin to the box of the companie
Item That no admitted Masteris tak any Prenteiss bot ane ilk thrie
yeiris ane at the maist and that onelie gif he be tollerated be his com-
panie sua to doe quhilk is wished be sundrie that Masteris sould content
thameselfiis with ane Prenteis ilk seavin yeirs onlie and gif he obteyn the
said consent and tolleratioun of his companie at any tyme within the
8^ spaice of seavin yeirs to accept ane vther Prenteis he sail pay for the
samen consent and tolleratioun fourtie schillingis money by and attonre
the buiking silvir of the e^ Prenteis and gif he contravein this ^nt Act
he sail pay ane vnlaw of ten punds toties quoties the equall half q^'of
and of the saids tolleratioun and buiking silver sail pertein to the s^
Generalh Wardane and the vther halff to the box of the companie
Item Thair sail be ane generall correspondence amangis the saids haill
Trades and Craftis at all occasiounis that ilkane companie may assist
ane vther in his haill effairs sic as gif inqu3rrie be maid for any fugitive
Prenteis or Serveand the companie with quhom the said fugitive salbe
fund sail signifie the samen to the inquyrer that he may repair it or put
the said fugitive in waird quhill ather his last Master cum or send for
him or he suld cum home or retume to his said Master
Item It sail not be leisum to any Master to tyse or seduce ane vther
Maisteris Prenteis or Serveand nor resseit nor fie thame without thair
M" leive natber zit accept of any Prenteis or Serveand in thair com-
panie and service vntill he schaw ane testimoniall of his liberatiouu
from his last M' quhome he last serveit or from the Deacone Wardane
or Ovirsman of the said companie that be is ane frie Serveandman and
gif the s^ Prenteis or Serveand be fund to be a fiet man the acceptor of
him sail dismiss him from his work or send him back to his auld Master
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448 THE HISTORY OF FRBE MASONRY.
or put him in waird quhill ather bis last M' cum or send for him or he
find cantiouD to returne to his said auld Master to performe his condi-
tiouns to him and the contra vainer therof or aQj point of the premissis
sail pay ane vnlaw of twentie pundis mony by and attoure the restore-
ing of the pairtie interest the equall halff qnhairof sail appertein to the
s^ Generall Wardane and the vther equall halff to the box of the com-
panie
Item That no Masteris tak any Prenteisses at all quhile he first
aoquant the Deacone Warden or Ovirsman of his companie that the said
Wardene and his companie may try quhither the s^ Maister be of abilitie
and apt for educatioun and menteinance of ane Prenteis or not and
being fund of abilitie and aptness fors^ sail be permittit and being fund
Ytherwayis ynabill and ynapt thairto dischargeit thairfra
Item For keiping of amitie and concord amangis the haill Airtis and
Craftismen all persouns quha ar to crave the benefit of being ane Master
in his airt sail first be reconceillit to all those his Bretherin quhom he
hes any wayis ofiendit and diligent inquyrie sail be had thairanent that
no man have anything to lay to his chairge and gif he be fund to hare
done amis he sail redres and satisfie the pairtie interest befor he gett his
admissioun
Item That all M" of the saids Airtis of this kingdome quhair the
saids privieledgeit companies ar not sail within the spaice of fyftein
dayis eftir the makeiog of the Indentors bulk their Prenteisses with
thair Servands and Jomaymeu in the Craftis buiks of thair companie and
the entries of the Prenteisses to be onelie reput fra the date of thair
buikingis and the Prenteiss sail pay the soume of fourtie schillingis
quhairof to the s^ Generall Wardane the equall halfi* and the vther
equall halfi* to the box of the companie with vj s viij d to the Clerk and
the soume of xx s for the Joumayman or Serveand to be devydit in
maner fors^ with four schillingis to the Clerk
Item That the haill M'" of evirie companie sail con vein be thame-
seltfis in the plaices to be appointed to thame quarterlie or at the least
once in the yeir for electioun of thair Wardenes or Ovirsmen and Box
M' and takeing compt of thair vnioun boxis chairges and dischairges
thairof vplifting of fynes and vnlawes admissiounes of M'* and all vther
busienes belonging to the s^ Craftis ilk persoun absent at the electioun
of Ovirsmen Box M" and makeing of comptis foure punds money of
vnlaw and at vther tymes being wamit thairto ten schillingis of vnlaw
to be equal] ie devydit as s^ is
Item In all cansis belonging to the saids Craftis it sail not be leisum
to any Master for ony wrong committit betuix M' and M' and M*" and
Servands to seik justice at any Judgis hands hot att the hands of the
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APPENDIX IT. 449
Ovirsman Wardens or Deacones of the companies or of the Generall
Wardane and his Depnttie qnhairin gif any be fund to contravein the
contraveiner sail pay ane ynlaw of ten pands money to be eqoallie
devydit in maner foirsaid
Item That ilk ane admittit Master of the ynpriTieledgeit companies
allowit to be establiseheit sail pay yeirlie xiij a iij d money to be
eqnallie devydit in maner forsaid
Itek Qahen any Master salhappin to work ont of that pairt of the
conn trie quhair he wes admittit ane Master then he sail be lyabill to the
actis of the companie qnhair he sail resid and work for the tyme and
bnik himself in the s^ companies bniks And the s^ M' for himself and
his Servands sail pay thairfoir fonrtie schillingis money to be eqnallie
devydit in maner fors^ with the Clerks dneties forsaids quhilk sail
serve for thair friedome in that pairt in all tyme thaireftir
Item Qnhen any Serveand sail happin to cum and work out of that
pairt of the cnntrie quhair he was first buikit Serveand then he sail
be Ijrabill to the actis of the companie quhair he sail resid and work
for the tyme and bnik himself in the s^ companies buiks and the s^ Ser-
veand sail pay thairfoir tuentie schillingis to be eqnallie devydit in
maner fors^ with the Clerkis denties fors^ qnlk sail serve for his bulking
in that pairt in all tyme thaireftir
Item It sail not be leisnm to quhatsnmevir M'" of the suds Airts to
work conduis or aggrie with all M^* of Work for any mae works or
airtis hot sua fax as it concemis tham allenairly and Craftis allenarlie
ynder the paine of ane vnlaw of threttie punds mony by and attoure
the dischairgeing of thame from the work qnhilk vnlaw salbe devydit
in maner fors^
Item That na Master sail tak ane vther Masters work over his held
eftir that the first Master hes aggreit with the awner of the work ather
be contract airles or verball conditiouns vnder the paine of ane vnlaw
of the fourt pairt of the pryce to be gottin for the s^ work it being
alwayis probable and knawin to the s^ last taker of the samen the for&4
vnlaw to be equallie devydit as s^ is
Item That na vnadmittit persoun of quhatsnmever of the s^ Airtis
sail tak any work in hand or vnttred the samen or tak Prenteissis or
Serveands vntill they be admittit ane Master in ane companie and vntill
the quhilk tyme he sail onelie be reput ane Serveand the alredie ad-
mittit and to be admitted M^* of the frie establiseheit companies of
certane privieledgeit companies of certane of the frie Bnrrowis being
exceptit
Item That na Master sail take the working of any work that vther
M" hes wrought at of befoir nor serve that ane M' vpoun no conditiouns
30
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450 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
vntill the tjme that the first workers be satisfeit for the wark quhilk they
have wrought for vnder the paine of sex punds by and attoure the dis-
chairgeing him from the s^ work vntill the s^ former Master be payit
and the s^ vnlaw to.be equallie devydit in maner fors^
Item The s^ companies of the frie Burrow is quha have alredie estab-
lischeit guid orders be thair liberties and soil Is of causs sail tak tryell
of assayis of the s^ Artieficiers of the saids Craftis duelling and re-
sideing nixt adjacent thairto gif these persounes desyre to be admitted
be thame and they being fund qualiefiet and of gud lyff to admitt
thame vnto the s^* Craftis that they may work and serve his Majesties
leiges without thair liberties in all these vnprivieledgeit plaices of this
kingdome they paying and performeing to the s^ Generall Wardane his
alloted deuties to be ressaveit from the saids persounes to be sua
admitted and doing and performeing the vther deuties conteinit in the
abone rehearsit Articles sua far as the samen may be extendit to the
establischement to be maid thairanent pro tanto the doing and performe-
ing quhairof sail noway is be prejudicial! to thair former liberties
Item Because certane of the frie Burrowis have diverse gud orders
and liberties alredie establischeit be seills of causs and thaiifor the s^frie
establischeit companies of the Burrowis sail nowayis be subject to the
saids prior Actis yrof they to keip all thair auncient liberties quhilk sail
nowayis be interrupted nor impedit be the s^ Generall Wardene within
the bounds of thair seills of causs and gif they sail work and resid furth
thairof in ony vther companies bounds then they sail onelie pay for
thameselffis and thair Servands fourtie schillingis mony to be equallie
devydit in maner fors^ q^ sail serve for thair friedome in that pairt in
all tyme yreftir.
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APPENDIX y.
451
APPENDIX V.
MINUTES ACCEPTING AND APPROVING OP THE PRECEDING " ACTIS."
(Prom the hefore-^nentioned Minute-Book of Lodge AitckiwiCe ffaven.)
At AtchesoDs Heayin the foartein day of Jannar the
year of God J^ vj threttie and sevin jeares
The ryt hono^ Sir Anthonib Alexander waredin to his Ma^® and
generall M' of Work in Scotland and the Meassouns of the said
Ludge of Atchiesons Heavin undersubscrjveand being conyenit at place
foirsaid annent the subscryving and accepting of the haiU beforewrittin
Actis
An. Alexander Mester of Worke
Thoma Aytoinb Wirden
David Low Deiken
William Aytounb
Jambs Ybtberspone
James Lithoow
Patrik Pringille
Adamb Calderuode
Mathew Wetherspone
William Aytounb
James Petticruifb
WiLLiAMB Low
^
JOHNB HtSLOPPB
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452 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Apnd Musselbar* decimo septimo die mensis Martij anno do^
millesimo sexentesimo et trigesimo octavo
The q^day compeirit personallie M' Harie Alex^ generaU wairdin
and M' of Work to his Ma^® wtin this kingdome of Scotland and ane
competent number of Meassons of the Ludge of Aitchiesones Heivin
and efter conference betuixt the said M' of Work and Measons foir-
saids both the said pairties M' and Ludge did approve the haill Actis
preceiding conteined in this book And also the saids pairties did and
doe admitt be thir $nts George Aytoun Clerk James Witherspoone
Deacone Burgess of Musselbur* tun James Pettiecmif Wairdin Depnt
indueller in Prestoun Panns Clerk Deacone and Wairdin Deputt untill
the ordinarie tjme of exchange of the saids Deacone and Wairdin vsit
and wont of befoir and no utherwayis Provjding allwajes that the said
George Aytonne Clerk aboue designit be nawayis dischairgeit of his
foirsaid office of clerkschep to the said Ludge of Aitchiesons Heavin
duratj vit4 veil ad culpam Quhairupoun the foirsaids thrie persones
Gierke Deacoun and Wairdin Doput did give thair oathes de fidelj
administratioane
Henrie Alexander^ Master of Worke.
^ [Sir AnthoDj Alexander, mentioned in the preceding pages, was the seoond
son of William, Earl of Stirling, and died at London in August 1637, or within
seven months of his subscribing the foregoing Minute. Henry, above designed,
was the third son of William, Earl of Stirling, and succeeded, on the death of
his nephew, to that title, as third Earl of Stirling, in the year 1640. — ^E.]
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APPENDIX VI. 453
APPENDIX VI.
CHARTER OF TRANSMISSION.
{Rrferrtd to at pagea 87-89, »upra»)
^■^.
Eoo Frater Johannes-Marcus Larmenius, Hierosoljmitanns, Dei gratia
et Secretissiino Veneraiidi Sanctissimique Martjris^ Sopremi Templi
Militi® Magistri (cni hones et gloria) decreto, conimunt Fratmm Consilio
confirmato, super UDiyersum Templi Ordinem Sammo et Supremo Magis-
terio iusignitus, singulis has decretales litteras visuris Salutem, Salutem,
Salutem.
Notum sit omnibus tam prsBsentibus quam futuris^ quod deficientibus,
propter extremam setatem, yiribus, remm angustia et gubemaculi gravi-
tate prepensis, ad majorem Dei gloriam, Ordinis, Fratrum et Statutomm
tutelam et salutem ego, supra dictus, humilis Magister Militi® Templi,
inter validiores man us Supremum statuerim deponere Magisterium.
Idcirco, Deo juvante, unoque Snpremi Conventus Equitum consensu,
apud eminentem Commendatorem et carissimum Fratrem, Franciscum-
Thomam-Theobaldum Alexandrinum, Supremum Ordinis Templi Magis-
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454 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
teriam, anctoritatem et privilegia contuli^ et hoc pnesenti decreto pro
vita confero, cum potestate; secundum temporis et rerum leges, Fzatri
alter!, institutionis et ingenii nobilitat-e morumque honestate prsastan-
tissimo, Summum et Supremum Ordinis Templi Magisterinm surnmam-
que auctoritatem conferendi. Quod sic, ad perpetuitatein Magisterii,
successornm non intersectam seriem et Statutorum integritatem tuendas.
Jubeo tamen ut uon transmitti possit Magisterium, sine commilitonum
Templi Conventns Generalis consensu, quoties coUigi yaluerit Supremas
iste Conventns ; et, rebus ita sese habentibus, successor ad nutum Equi-
turn eligatur.
Ne autem languescant Supremi Officii munera, sint nunc et perenni-
ter quatuor Supremi Magistri Vicarii, supremam potestatem, eminentiam
et auctoritatem, super universum Ordinem, salvo jure Supremi Magistri,
habentes; qui Vicarii Magistri apud seniores secundum professionis
seriem, eligantur. Quod Statu tum e commendato mihi et Fratribus to to
sacrosancti supra dicti Yenerandi Beatissimique Magistri nostri, Mar-
tjris (cui honos et gloria) Amen.
Ego denique, Fratrum Supremi Conventus decreto, e suprema mihi
commissa auctoritate, Scotos Templarios Ordinis desertores, anathemate
percusses, illosque et Fratres Sancti Johannis HierosoljmsB, dominionim
Militiad spoliatores (quibus apud Deum misericordia) extra girum Templij
nunc et in futurum, volo, dice et jubeo.
Signa, ideo, pseudo-Fratribus ignota et ignoscenda constitui, ore
commilitonibns tradenda, et quo, in Supremo Conventu, jam tradere
mode placuit.
Qu8B vero signa tantummodo pateant post debitam professionem et
equestrem consecrationem, secundum Templi commilitonum Statuta,
ritus et usus, supra dicto eminenti Commendatori a me transmissa, sicnt
a Venerando et Sanctissimo Martyre Magistro (cui honos et gloria) in
meas manus habui tradita. Fiat sicut dixi. Fiat. Amen.
Ego Johannes-Marcus Larmeniub dedi, die decima tertia febmarii
1324.
Ego Franciscus-Thomas-Theobaldus Alexandrinus, Deo juvante,
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1324.
Ego Arnulphus De Braque, Deo juvante, Supremum Magisterium
acceptum habeo, 1340.
Ego Johannes Claromontanus, Deo juvante, Supremum Magis-
terium acceptum habeo, 1349.
Ego Bbrtrandus Duguesclin, Deo juvante, Supremum Magisterium
acceptum habeo, 1357.
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APPENDIX VI. 455
Ego Johannes Arminiacus, Deo javaniei Supremam Magisterittm
acceptum habeo^ 1381.
Ego Bernardus Arminiacus, Deo juvante, Sapremum Magisterium
acceptam habeo, 1392.
Ego Johannes Arminiacus, Deo juvaDte, Supremum MagisteriQm
acceptum habeo, 1419.
Ego Johannes Croyus, Deo juvante, Supremum Magisterium accep-
tum habeo, 1451.
Ego Robert us Lenoncurtius, Deojuvante, Supremum Magisterium
acceptum habeo, 1478.
Ego Galeatids de Salazar, Deo juvante, Supremam Magisterium
acceptum habeo^ 1497.
Ego Philippus Chabotius^ Deo juvBute, Supremum Magisterium
acceptum habeo, 1516.
Ego Gaspardus de Salciaco, Tavannensis, Deo juvante, Supremum
Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1544.
Ego Henricus de Monte Morenciaco, Deo juvantei Supremum
Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1574.
Ego Carolus Valbsius, Deo juvante^ Supremum Magisterium accep-
tum habeo, 1615.
Ego Jacobus Ruxellius de Grancio, Deo juvante, Supremum
Magisterium acceptam habeo, 1651.
Ego Jacobus- Henricus de Duro Forti, dux db Duras, Deo juvaute^
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1681.
Ego Philippus, dux Aurelianbnsis, Deo juvante, Supremam Magis-
terium acceptum habeo, 1705.
Ego Lttdoyicus- Augustus Borbonius, dux du Maine, Deo juvante,
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1724.
Ego LuDovicus - Henricus Borbonius Condceus, Deo javante,
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1737.
Ego LuDovicus Fbanciscus Borbonius-Conty, Deo juvante, Supre-
mam Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1741.
Ego Ludoyicus-Herculbs-Timoleo de Cossb-Brissac, Deo juvaute,
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo, 1776.
Ego CLAUDius-MATHiEus Radix de Cheyillon, TcmpH senior
Vicarius Magistri, adstantibus Fratribus Prospero-Maria-Petro-Michaele
Charpeutier de Saintot, Bemardo-Raymundo Fabre-Palaprat, Templi
Vicariis Magistris, et Jobanne-Baptista-Augusto de Courchant^ Supremo
Pneceptore, bascc litteras decretales a Ludovico-Hercule-Timoleone de
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456 THE HISTORY OF PREB MASONRY.
Cosse-Brissac, supremo Magistro, in temporibos infanstis mihi depositas^
Fratri Jacobo-Philippo Ledra, Templi seniori Vicario Magistro tradidi^
ut istaB littersB, in tempore opportuno, ad perpetuam Ordinis nostri me-
monam, jaxta ritum (voyez le Rituel levitique) Orientalem^ yigeant :
Dei decima Junii 1804.
Ego Bernardus - Raymundus Fabre-Palaprat, Deo .jumnte^
Supremum Magisterium acceptum habeo : Die qnarta Novembris 1804.
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APPEKDIX VII. 457
APPENDIX VII.
ANE NARRATION OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CRAFT OF MASONRY^ AND
BY WHOM IT HATH BEEN CHERISHED.
[This document, now printed, it is believed for the first time, is fonnd in the
archives of some of the older Lod^^, qoaintlj expressed and with every
variety of orthography. The following, which is the best rendering of any
of the originals that has been met with, is a comparatively modem tran-
scription of one of these, which bears evidence of having been written in
the early part of the 17th century, and is still in beantifnl preservation. It
is almost unnecessary to add that it is here given chiefly on accoont of its
rarity. — E.]
0 Lord God ! the Father of Heaven, with the power of His glorious
Son, and the Holy Ghost, which are Three Persons in one God-
head, be with ns at our beginning, and give ns grace so to
govern us in our living that we may come to the bless that
never shall have an ending. Amen 1 So mote it be.
Good Brethren and Fellows, — Mj purpose is to tell you in what
sort and manner this worthy craft of Masonry was first founded, and
afterward how it was maintained and upholden by worthy kings and
princes, and many other worshipfal men j and also to them that are here
we will declare then the Charges that belongs to every true Mason to
keep, for it is ane worthy Craft, — a vertuous science, — ^it being one of the
seven liberall sciences, and these be the names of them : —
The first is Grammar, which teach eth a man to speak truely and
write truely.
The second is Eethorick, which teacheth a man to speak fair subtill
tearms.
The third is Dialection, which teacheth a man to discern and know
truth from falsehood.
The fourth is Arithmetick, which teacheth to reckon and count all
manner of numbers.
The fifth is Geometry^ which teacheth the mett and measure of the
earth, of which is Masonry.
The sixth science is Musick, which teacheth to sing, and the voice of
the tongue, organ, and harp.
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4o8 TUB HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY.
The seveDth is Astronomy, which teacbeth the course of the sun,
moon, and stars.
These are the seven liberall sciences, which are all fonnded upon one
science, which is called Geometry ; thus maj jou prove that all the
sciences in the world are founded on this science of Geometrj, for it
teacheth mett and measure, ponderation and weight in all manner of kind
on earth, and there is no man that workcth any craft but worketh it by
some mett or measure, nor is there any man that buys or sells but
nseth measure or weight, all which belongs to Geometry j and by this
craftsmen and merchants doe find all the other six sciences, and espe-
cially the plowmen and tillers of all manner of grains, both corn, seeds,
▼ines, and plants, and setters of other fruits, cannot plow, till, sett, or
sowe, without Geometry ; for astronomy and all the rest of the liberall
sciences cannot find out a man measure and mett without it ; there-
for that science may be called most worthy of all sciences which can
find both mett and measure to all the rest.
If you ask how this worthy science was begun I shall tell yon«
Before the flood of Noah there was a man called Lamech. Lamech
killed his great grandfather with ane arrow, as the Scripture testifyeth
in the fourth chapter of Genesis ; and this Lamech had two wives, the
name of the one was Adah and the name of the other Zillah. By
his first wife Adah he begat two sons, the name of the first was Jabal,
and the name of the other was Jubal ; and by the other wife Zillah he
had a son called Tubal-Cain, and a daughter named Naamah ; and the
said four children found the beginning of all crafts in the world. This
eldest son Jabal found the craft of Geometry, and departed with flocks
of sheep, and in the fields he first wrought a house of stone and timber.
Cain built a city before Jabal was born, as witnesseth the chapter
above said ; and his brother Jubal found the craft or art of Mosick.
The third brother Tubal-Cain found out the craft of the Smith, to work
in gold, silver, copper, iron, and steel ; and the sister Naamah found out
the craft of Weaving : And these children knew that God would take
vengeance for sin either by fire or by water ; wherefor they did write
their sciences which they had found upon two pillars of stone, that they
might be found after that God had taken vengeance ; and the one stone
was marble, that would not burn with fire ; and the other stone was
lettresse, that would not drown in water.
Now here it requires to tell you how these two stones were found
that the crafts were written on, after the destruction of the world by
Noah's flood.
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APPENDIX VIL 459
The great HennariDes, that was Aschur his son, that was the son of
Shem, the son of Noah, — that son Hebmarines, afterward called
Hermes, the father of wise men, he found oat the two pillars of
stone, and found out the sciences thereon written, and taught them to
all other men.
And at the building of the Tower of Babylon, the king who hight
NiMROD, was a Mason himself, and loved well the Craft, as witnesseth
the mystery of stories. And when the city Niniveh, and other cities of
East Asia should be built, this Nimrod, King of Babylon, sent thither
three score Masons at the desire of the king of Niniveh, his cosen : And
when they went forth he gave them a Charge on this manner, " That they
should be true every one of them to another, and that they should live
tniely together," by which they might have worship from his cosen
the king of Niniveh ; and further, he gave two Charges concerning
their science, and the first was, '* That every Master Mason should have
charge of his work and Craft :'* And this was the first time that ever
Mason had any charge of his Craft.
Moreover, when Abraham, and Sarah his wife, went into Egypt, they
were taught; and had a worthy schollar whose name was Euclide, who
learned very well, and became master of the seven liberall sciences.
And it befell in his days that the lords and great estates of these quar-
ters and dominions had so many sons that they had not competency of
lands and yeards to find their children, for which they made much care.
And the king of the land, considering their poverty, called a council
together, and caneed a parliament to be holden ; the greatest of his
interest was to know how their children should be maintained, and they
conld find no way unless it were by good science or cunning ; where-
upon he caused mak a proclamation throughout his realm that if any
man could inform them in good art or cunning he should come unto
them, and be well contented for his pains. After this proclamation was
made this worthy Euclide came and said to the king and lords. If you
wiU intrust your children to my government I shall teach them the
seven sciences, whereby they may live honestly and like gentlemen,
upon this condition, that you will grant me a commission to have power
and rule over them, according as the science ought to be ruled ; and
upon this covenant I will take charge over them. The king and his
council granted the same, and sealed their condition ; and this worthy
Doctor took to him these lords' sons, and did teach them the science
of Geometry in practice, to work in all manner of worthy work that
should belong to building of castles,' manners, churches, and all
other manner of buildings ; and he gave them their Charge, firsts
** That they should be true to the king and lords, or masters that they
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460 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
serve ; and shonld love every one another ; and be true to one another ;
and shonld call each one another Fellow, and not servants, or knave,
or any sndi base name; and shonld tmely serve for their wages of
their masters that they serve ; and that they should ordain the wisest
of them to be masters of the lords and masters works ; and that neither
lord, or any great man, or of great living or riches, shonld make or
ordain any such a man to bear rule which hath but small cunning,
whereby the owner of the work should be evil served and themselves
ashamed of their workmanship ; and to call the govemonr of the work
master while they work to him ;*' and many other Charges which are too
long to tell : And to all the Charges he made them swear the great oath
that men nsed at that time, and ordained them reasonable wages, that
thereupon they might live honestly ; and also that they should meet
and assemble together once every year, that they might take counsel in
the Craft how they might best work to serve the lord and master whom
they serve, for his profit and their own honesty, and correct themselves
if they had trespassed, — ^and this was the craft of Geometry, which now
is called Masonry.
Si thence, long after, when the children of Israel ^ere coming into the
Land of Promise, that is now called Emones, in the country of Jeru-
salem, King David began the Temple, that is Templum Domini, and
is named the Temple of Jerusalem. King David loved Masons, and
cherished them, and gave them good payment^ and Charges in manner
as they had in Egypt given by Euclide, and other Charges more, that
you shall afterward bear. And after the death of King David, Solomon,
his son, finished the foresaid Temple that his father had begun ; and he
sent for Masons from diverse lands and countries, and gathered them
together, so that he had twenty-four thousand Masons, and made four
thousand of them masters and governors of his work.
And there was another king, in another land, called Hiram, and he
loved Solomon, and gave him timber for his work j and he had a son
called Aymox, and he was master of Geometry, and he was the chief
master of all his Masons, and governor of all his graving and V^rving
work, and of all manner of masonry that belonged to the Temple ; all
this witnessetli the first Book of the Kings and fifth chapter.
And this Solomon confirmed both Charges and manners that his
father had given to Masons ; and thus was this worthy Craft of Masonry
confirmed in the country of Jerusalem, and many other glorious king-
doms, by famous great men walking about full wide, in diverse conn-
tries ; some because of learning more Craft, and some to teach others.
And so there was a curious Mason, Mamon Greives, that was
at the working of Solomon's Temple, that came into France ; and so
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APPENDIX VII. 461
there was one of the king's lineage of France called Carolus Martill,
who was a man that loved well such a Crafty and jo3med to this Mamon
Greives^ and learned of him the Craft, and took apon him the Charge ;
and afterward, hy the Grace of God, was made King of France. And
when he was in that estate he took many Masons, and gave them
Charges, and manners, and good wages for their work, as he had
learned from other Masons ; and confirmed them ane Charter from year
to year to hold their assembly, and cherished them maoh ; and so came
the Craft of Masonry into France.
England stood in all this season void as for any Charge of Masonry,
nntill the time of St Albon ; and at that time the King of England walled
the town that is now called St Albons ; and St Albon was ane worthy
knight, and was chief steward to the king, and had tjie governance of
the whole realm, and also of making towns and walls ; and he loved
well Masons, and cherished them very much, paying them their wages
right well, as the realm stood at that time; for he gave them three
shillings a week, and they found themselves ; and before that time a
Mason had but sixpence a day, and meat and drink, untill St Alhon
amended the same ; and he gave them ane Charter of the king and his
eonncil to hold ane general council, and gave it the name of ane assembly,
and thereat he was himself; and he made Masons, and gave them
Charges, as you shall hear afterwards.
Right soon after the death of St Albon there came diverse warriors
into the realm of England of diverse nations, so that the rule of good
Masonry was much abused untill the time of King Atbelstone, that
was a worthy king in England, and he brought the land to good rest, and
builded many great buildings ; and he had a son who loved Masons more
than his father did, for he was a practiser himself of Geometry, wherefor
he drew himself to commune with Masons to learn of them the Craft ;
and afterward, for the love he had to Masons and the Craft, he was made a
Mason himself, and he got of his father the king a Charter, with a com-
mission to hold every year ane assembly when it pleased themselves^
within the realm, and to correct within themselves fiaults and transgres-
sions that were done within the realm ; and he himself held ane assembly
at York, and there he made Masons, and commanded that rule to be kept
ever after; and gave them the charter and commission to keep; and made
ordinances that should be renewed from king to king. And when the
assembly was gathered together he made ane cry that all old Masons and
young that had any writing or understanding of the Charges that were
before in this land, or in any other, they should shew them furth ; and
there was found some in French, some in English^ some in Latin, and
some in other languages, and the meaning of all was found to be all
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462 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
one ; and he caused a book to be made thereof, and how the Craft was
fonndit, and commanded that it should be read and told when any Mason
was made, and to giye him his Charge ; and from that day to this day
Masonry has been preserved and keeped ; and after that, from time to
time, it was as well as men conld govern it : And furthermore, at
diverse times and assemblies there hath been put to and added certain
Charges more, by the best advised of Masters and Fellows.
Unus ex suis membris teneat librum, et ille vel illi ponant manum
snper librum et jurent uno prsocepto et juramenti). [Let one of their
number hold the book, and let one or more lay his hand on the book,
and swear by one command and oath.]
Every Mason take heed right wisely to these Charges, if that yon
find yourselves guilty of these things against God that you may amend
them j and principally, they that be charged must take good heed that
you may keep these Charges, for it is a great peril to forswear yonr*
selves upon a book,
1. The first Charge is that you shall be a true man to God and the
Holy Church, and that you use no heresie nor error, to your under-
standing, or discredit man's teaching.
2. That you shall be true to the king, without treason or falsehood ;
and that you should know no treason or falsehood but in time amend
it, or else warn the king or his council.
3. And also, you shall be true each one to another, that is to say, to
every Master and Fellow of the Craft of Masonry that be Masons
allowed, and doe ye to them as ye would have them doe to you.
4. And that every Mason keep truely the counsell of Lodge and
Craft, and other counsells that ought to be keept by way of Masonry.
5. And also that no Mason be ane thief, or accessorie to ane thief, so
far as he shall know.
6. And that you shall be true men to the lord and masters that you
serye, and truely see to their profit and advantage.
7. And also, that you shall call Masons your Fellows or Brethren,
and not any other foul name, and shall not take your Fellow's wife
villanously, nor desire his daughter ungodlily, nor his servant in villauy.
8. And also, that you pay duely and truely for your table, for meat
and drink when you goe to table.
9. And also, that you doe no villany in the house where you have
your table and diet, whereby the Craft may be slandered.
10. These be Charges in general for both Masters and Fellows to
hold.
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APPENDIX VII. 463
These be Charges singularly and particularly for Masters and Fel-
lows : —
1. That no Mason shall take upon him any lord's work^ or other
man's work, unless he know himself able and cunning to perform it^ so
that the Craft have no slander.
2. And also, that no blaster take any work but take it reasonably, so
that the lord may be tmely served of his own good, and that the
Master may live honestly, and pay his Fellows truely, as manners
asketh the Craft.
3. And that no Master or Fellow shall supplant one another of his
work, that is to say, if he hath a work of ane lord or ane master, and
that he put him not out unless he be unable in cunning to finish that
work.
4. And also, that no Master or Fellow take any prentice to be allowed
his prentice any longer than seven years, and that prentice be able of
birth and lineage, as he ought to be.
5. And also, that no Master nor Fellow take allowance to be made
Masons without the assent of six, or five at least, of his Fellows ; and
they that shall be Masons be free bom, not a bondman, but of good
kindred, and have his right line as a man ought to have.
6. And that no Master nor Fellow put no lord's work to task that
was wont to goe in journey.
7. And that no Master shall give or pay his Fellows but as he may
deserve, so that he be not deceived by false workmen.
8. And that no Fellow slander another behind his back whereby he
may lose his good name or worldly goods.
9. And that no Fellow, within the Lodge or without the Lodge, cen-
sure another ungodlily, without reasonable cause.
10. And also, that every one shall reverence his Fellow elder, and put
him to worship.
11. And also, that no Mason should play at cards, or dice, or any
game whereby they may be slandered.
12. And that no Mason be a common rebel in letcherie, to make the
Craft be slandered.
13. And that no Fellow shall goe into the town in the night, when
there is a Lodge of Fellows without, except some Fellow bear him wit-
ness that he was in ane honest place.
14. And also, that every Master and Fellow shall come to the
assembly if it be within seven miles about him, if he have warning, and
so stand their award of Masters and Fellows.
15. And also, that every Master and Fellow, if he hath trespassed,
shall stand at the award of Masters and Fellows to make them accord
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464 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
if they may^ and if they may not accord them^ then to goe to the Ciril
Law.
16. And also, that no Mason shall make moulds, or sqaare, or rnle, to
any liar within the Lodge or without it, nor make moulds to mould
their oWn stones of his own making.
17. And also, that every Mason shall receive and cherish a stranger
Mason when they come to the country, and shall sett them to work as
the manner is, that is to say, if he have any mould stones in piece he
shall sett him a fortnight at the least in work, and give him his pay ;
and if he have no mould stone for him, he shall refresh him with moneys
to the next Lodge.
] 8. And also, every Mason shall serve your lord truely for his pay,
and truely finish his work, be it task or journey, if you may have your
pay as you ought to have.
These things that we have rehearsed ye ought to have ever in memory,
and practice ; and these Charges, and all others that belong to Masons,
you shall truely keep, so help you God and the Holydame. Amen 1
So mote it be.
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APPENDIX VIII. 465
APPENDIX VIII.
FORM OF PETITION FOR A NEW LODGE.
Unto the Most Worskvpfid ike Grand Master Ma/son, the E, TT. the
Office-Bearers, and Members of the Orand Lodge op Scotland,
The petition of the Undersigned, regular registered Master-Masons
of the Lodges mentioned against our respective names ;
Humbly ShetoeUi^
That joar Petitioners, having the good of Masonry at heart, are desirous
of extending the benefits of the Craft in this part of the Country, which
cannot be accomplished without having a regularly constituted Lodge.
We, therefore, being anxious to commence and carry on our Masonic
labours under the sanction of the Grand Lodge, pray for a Charter of
Constitution and Erection, empowering us to meet as a regular Lodge
at i^y *^®
name and title of , and there
to discharge the duties of Masonry in a constitutional manner, according
to the forms of the Order, and the Laws of the Grand Lodge ; and we
recommend and propose the following to be the first Office-Bearers of
the Lodge, viz. : —
A. B.— iB. W, Master. C. D.— JT* Depute Master. E. F,—W.
Substitute Master. G. U.— W.Sen. Warden. I. J.—W. Jun. Warden.
K. L. — Treasurer. M. N. — Secretary. 0. P. — Senior Deacon. Q. R.
^^unior Deacon. S. T. — Inner Guard; and V, W. — Tyler.
The prayer of this Petition being granted, we promise strict obedi-
ence to the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
Signed M, M. Lodge
&c. jtc,
31
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466 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX IX.
CHARTER OF CONSTITUTION AND ERECTION.
To All and Sundry to whose knowledge these Presents shall come
GREETING in 6od Everlasting : Whereas upon the day of
a Petition was presented to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, in name of
and others,
Prating the said Grand Lodge to grant a Charter of Constitntion and
Erection, in the nsnal form, for holding a Lodge at , under
the name and title of
and proposing the persons aftermentioned to be the first Office-Bearers
thereof, viz. : —
Which Petition, with the requisite Certificates therewith produced,
having been duly considered in Grand Lodge assembled, they were
pleased to ordain a Charter to be issued in the terms underwritten :
Know ye therefore, that the Most Worshipful The Grand Master-
Mason of Scotland, and The Grand Lodge thereof, have constituted,
erected, and appointed, likeas they hereby constitute, erect, and appoint
the Master, Wardens, and Brethren above named, to be now, and in all
time coming, a true and regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at
, under the name, style, and title of
, and appoint and ordain all regular Lodges
to hold and respect them as such ; Giving, granting, and committing to
them, and those to be afterwards admitted Members of the said Lodge,
fall power and authority to meet, assemble, and convene as a regular
Lodge ; and to enter Apprentices, pass Fellow-Crafts, and raise Master-
Masons, upon payment of such compositions, for the support of their
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APPENDIX IX. 467
Lodge, as they shall see conveDient ; but which compositions, at their
initiation; shall not, for the Apprentice degree, be under the sum of
Twenty-One ShiUingB; and with power also annually to elect and choose
Masters, Wardens^ and other Office-Bearers ; recommending to the
Brethren of the said Lodge to reverence and obey their superiors in all
things lawful and honest, as become th the honour and harmony of
Masonry; and the said Brethren becoming bound on no account to
desert their own Lodge ; nor, upon any pretext whatever, to make any
separate or schismatical meetings, independent of the Master and War-
dens for the time ; nor to introduce any other Orders of Masonry than
those sanctioned by the Grand Lodge; nor to collect funds separate
from the common stock of their Lodge, to the prejudice of the poor
thereof; and declaring that the said Lodge, and whole constituent
Members thereof, now and in all time coming, shall, by accepting this
present Charter, be bound in faithful allegiance to the said Grand
Lodge, as head of the Masonic Body in Scotland; and shall be
obliged to obey and pay due regard to all Acts, Statutes, and Regula-
tions of the said Grand Lodge already made and enacted, or hereafter
to be made and enacted, for the utility, welfare, and prosperity of
Masonry: And generally, to pay and perform whatever is required
from them for the support and dignity of the Grand Lodge ; and parti-
cularly, to account and pay into the funds of the Grand Lodge at least
the sum of Five Shillings and Sixpence sterling for each Member
initiated in their Lodge from and after the date hereof ; which sums
they shall cause to be annually remitted to the Grand Secretary at
Edinburgh ; and, at the same time, transmit to him a list of the names
and designations, ifec, of the Members initiated, in order that the same
may be Recorded in the Books of the Grand Lodge ; and the Brethren
of said Lodge shall be bound to record in the Books of their Lodge
(which Books they are hereby authorised and enjoined to keep) this
present Charter, their own Regulations and Bye-Laws, and Minutes of
their whole procedure, from time to time, so that the same may be
better known and more easily observed by the Brethren, subject
always, nevertheless, to the review and control of the Grand Lodge.
And the said Brethren are hereby required to attend the whole General
Meetings and Quarterly Communications of the Grand Lodge by their
Representatives, being their Master and Wardens for the time, or by
lawful Proxies in their names (provided such Proxies be Master-Masons
of some established Lodge holding of the Grand Lodge), so that they,
by their said Representatives, may act and vote in the Grand Lodge,
and be duly certiorated of the proceedings thereof ; declaring the said
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468 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASOliRT.
Lodge's precedency in the Grand Lodge to be from the date hereof ; and
for the more effectual preservation of these Presents, the same are here-
by appointed to be Recorded in the Books of the Grand Lodge.
Given at the Grand Lodge of Scotland, held in the City of
Edinburgh, the day of in the year
of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and ,
and of Light Five Thousand Eight Hundred and ,
by, &c. ^
^ [The Fees payable on an application for a Charter must be lodged with the
Grand Secretary alongst with the Petition for Constitution and Erection. The
following is a Table of all the Dues exigible by the Grand Lodge : —
Charter, . . . . . . .
Commission to Provincial Grand Master,
Commission to Representative at Sister Grand Lodge^
Annual Certificate, ......
Enrolment of each Intrant, .....
Diploma, ........
Commission to Proxy-Master, ....
[ Nomination of each Proxy^Master, ....
Test of Membership in Grand Lodge,
Extract of Charter, ......
Lodging Petition, Answers, Appeals, or other Pleadings, each,
Extracts or Copies of Papers, first sheet.
Every other sheet, ......
Each Borrowing of Process or Productions,
Each Returning, do. do. .
-E.]
L.10 10
0
10 10
0
3 3
0
0 5
0
0 5
6
0 4
6
0 2
6
0 1
0
0 6
0
1 1
0
0 6
0
0 2
6
0 1
6
0 1
0
0 1
0
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APl'ENDIX X. 469
APPENDIX X.
CEREMONIAL AT CONSECRATING A NEW LODGE, OR A LODGE ROOM ONLY,
OR BOTH ; AND ALSO AT THE TSUAL INSTALLATION OP OFFICE-
BEARERS OF A LODGE.
(Reftrrtd to at page 345, supra,)
CEREMONIAL TO BE OBSERVED AT THE CONSECRATION AND ERECTION OF
A DAUGHTER LODGE. ^
The Lodge Room having been properly Tjled, and it having been
ascertained that none bat Master Masons are present, the Grand Lodge
or Provincial Grand Lodge will be opened in the First degree, and
thereafter shall be raised to the Second and Third degrees, by the M. W.
the Grand Master, the R. W. the Provincial Grand Master, or presiding
Brother, {as the case may be.) The V. W. the Grand or Provincial
Grand Chaplain shall then commence the ceremony of Constituting and
Consecrating the Lodge, by offering np the following Prayer : —
0 ADORABLE Lord God, Maker of all things, and Judge of all men,
regard, we humbly beseech Thee, with Thy special favour, this our
present undertaking, and grant that the work which we now commence
in Thy name, may conduce to Thy glory, and to the good, temporal and
eternal, of Thy dependent creatures. Let a scrupulous regard to the
obligation which^ in Thy name, and under Thine all-seeing eye, shall
be herein entered into, distiuguish all upon whom the privileges of
Initiation shall be conferred, — that they, abounding in all holy conver-
sation and godliness, may become true and worthy members of our
venerable Order, and that their practice may, in all things^ correspond
with their profession.
Response by the Brethren, — So mote it be 1
GRAND HONOURS.
SOLEMN MfTSIC.
' This Ceremonial, with some few additions and alterations, will senre alFo
for the Consecration of a Hall, or Buildini; set apart for the purposes of
Masonry.
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470 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Theu shall be read Psalm cxxxiii.
GRAND HONOURS.
Oration on the " Nature and Objects of Masonry" by the V. W. the
Grand or Provincial Grand Chaplain.
ANTHEM.
When earth's foundation first was laid
By the Almighty Artist's hand,
'Twas then our perfect, our perfect laws were made,
Established by His strict command.
Chorus. — Hail ! mysterious, hail, glorious Masonry,
That makes us ever great and free.
In vain mankind for shelter sought.
In vain from place to place did roam,
Until from Heaven, from Heaven he was taught
To plan, to build, to fix his home.
Hail ! mysterious, &c.
Illustrious hence we date our Art,
Which now in beauteous piles appear ;
And shall to endless, to endless time impart,
How worthy and how great we are.
Hail ! mysterious, &o.
Nor we less fam'd for every tie
By which the human thought is bound ;.
Love, truth, and friendship, and friendship socially
Unite our hearts and hands around.
Hail ! mysterious, &c.
Our actions still by virtue blest,
And to our precepts ever true.
The world admiring, admiring shall request
To learn, and our bright paths pursue.
Hail ! mysterious, &c.
The U. W. the Grand Secretary or Provincial Grand Secretary, (ow
the ease may be) will read the Charter in favour of the Lodge {here tnfert
name of Lodge.)
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APPENDIX X. 471
[The Jewels, Clothing, dco., of the Lodge will then be delivered to the
M. W. the Grand Master^ the R. W. the Provincial Grand Master, or
presiding Brother, (as the case may he,) after which the Master and other
Officers Elect will be presented by the Grand Secretary or his repre-
sentative, and the Brethren will be asked if they are satisfied with each
and all of them. The M. W. the Grand Master or presiding Brother
will then direct their Secretary to read the Minutes of their previoas
meetings.] ^
Then shall be read or chanted Psalm xcv, verses 1 to 7.
O come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make a joyful noise to the
Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving : and make a
joyful noise unto Him with Psalms.
For the Lord is a great God : and a great King above all gods.
In His hand are all the deep places of the earth : the strength of
the hills is His also.
The sea is His, and He made it : and His hands formed the dry land.
0 come, let us worship, and bow down ; let us kneel before the Lord
our Maker.
For He is our God : and we are the people of His pasture, and the
sheep of His hand.
Glor^ be to God on high 1
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world with-
out end ; (or) For His mercy endureth forever. Amen.
The V. W. the Grand or Provincial Grand Chaplain will then offer
up the following Prayer : —
Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker and Ruler of all Worlds 1
deign, from Thy celestial Temple, from Realms of light and glory, to bless
us, in all the purposes of our present assembly.
We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this, and at all times, wis-
dom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the
beauty of harmony in all our communications.
Permit us, 0 Thou Centre of light and life, great source of love and
happiness, to erect this Lodge^ and now solemnly to consecrate it to Thy
honour and glory !
If the Hall or Lodge-Room is to be Consecrated the Chaplain will
here pause, and the following be introduced : —
Besponse hy the M. W. the O. Af., or the R, W, the Prov. G. M.—
Glory be to God on High I
^ The above paragraph, marked thus, [ ] is to be omitted when a Hall, or
Lodge Room only, is to be Consecrated.
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472 THE HISTORY OF FREB MASONRY.
RespoMe by the Brethren, — As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Consecration Elements are then sprinkled on the Lodge-Room ;
after which the Chaplain resumes.
Grant, 0 Lord our God, that they who are [now about to be '] in-
vested with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom
'to instruct tbeir Brethren in all duties. May brotherly love and
charity always prevail among the Members of this Lodge ; and may this
bond of Union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world !
Bless all our Brethren wheresoever dispersed, and grant speedy relief
to all who are either oppressed or distressed.
We humbly commend to Thee all the members of Thy whole family :
May they increase in the knowledge of Thee, and in the love of each
other.
Finally, may we finish all our works here below with Thine appro-
bation ; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy
heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss ineffable.
Response by the M, W, the G. M. or the R. W. the Frov. 0. M. —
Glory be to God on High !
Response by the Brethren, — As it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
GRAJID HONOURS.
SOLEMN MUSIC :
* During which the Members of the New Lodge passing round do
homage to the Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge.
* The M. W. the Grand Master, or presiding Brother (as the case
may be) will then cause the Grand Director of Ceremonies to prodaim
the Lodge as follows ; —
* Brethren, — I am directed by the Most Worshipful {here insert
the name) Grand Master Mason of Scotland to make proclamation,
that by virtue of the power and authority of the Grand Lodge, these
Brethren are now constituted a regular Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, by the title and designation of the Lodge {here insert the name,)
to be holden in {here insert the place.) And from henceforth they are fully
empowered to exercise all their rights and privileges, agreeably to the
tenure of their Charter, the laws of the Grand Lodge, and the ancieot
usages of the Fraternity ; and may God be with them.
^ To be omitted when the Hall only is to be consecrated.
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APPENDIX X. 473
* Response hy the Members of the Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge
only. — So mote it be. *
- Part of 2d Chronicles, Chapter vi, verses 12, 14, 17-21, 33 middle,
41 ; Chapter vii, verses 1, 3, 12-18 ; — or of Ist Kings, Chapter viii,
verses 22, 23, 26-30, 43 middle, 60 ; and Chapter ix, verses 3-5, — will
then be read by the Very Worshipful the Qrand or Provincial Grand .
Chaplain.
ANTHEM, accompanied by Music.
To Heaven's hi^h Architect all praise,
All praise, all gratitude be given ;
Who deigned the human soul to raise,
By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.
CHORUS.
Sound aloud the Great Jehovah*s praise j
To Him the dome, the temple raise.
GRAND HONOURS.
CEREMONIAL TO BE OBSERVED AT THE INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICE-
BEARERS OF A LODGE.
[Formerly no one obtained the degree of Master Mason until he became,
or was about to become, the Master of a Lodge ; but since the beginning of
the 18th century all Craftsmen, after a short probation, received it to
qwdify them for that high office. In England and Ireland the Master
Elect receives certain secret Instructions in presence of those only'who
have ^ passed the Chair," or 'been installed Masters of Lodges, in order
to distinguish him from the non-official Masters; but in Scotland the
Grand Lodge has uniformly held that giving these instructions sepa-
rately is an innovation on the ancient landmarks of St Johu's Masonry,
and therefore are communicated to the Master Mason when he is elected
Master of the Lodge.]
The Lodge having been opened in the First Degree, — Entered Ap^
prentices being allowed to be present, — and the Jewels, Clothings «bc.,
of the Lodge placed before the presiding or installing Brother,' he will
^ The paragrophs marked thus * are to be omitted when the Hall, or Lodge
Boom only, is to be Consecrated.
^ At the Consecration of a new Lodge the Charges ought to be read by the Grand
{or Provincial Grand) Secretary; but at the usual or Annual Installatiouy the
presiding Brother, or a Past Master, does so, as the Secretary is not yet
installed.
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474 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
desire the Master Electa as well as his Depute and Substitute Masters, to
come forward, and address them as follows : —
Brethren, — Having been elected by the Members of your Lodge to
the respective offices of Master, Depute Master, and Substitute Master,
I shall have much pleasure in installing you therein ; but previous to
your installation it is requisite that you assent to some of the Charges
and Regulations which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.
These will now be read to you : —
1. You agree to be a good man and true^ and striotlj to obey the moral Uw.
2. You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheerfully to conform to the laws
of the Country in which you reside.
3. You promise not to be concerned in plots or conspiracies against Govern-
ment, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the Supreme LegisUtnre.
4. You agree to pay a proper respect to the Civil Magistrate ; to work dili-
gently, live in credit, and act honourably with all men.
5. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the
Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, ac-
cording to their stations ; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your
Brethren, in Grand Lodge assembled, in every case consistent with the Consti-
tutions of the Order ; and that you will not, in Scotland, practise or recognise
in connection with Lodges of St John's Masonry, any Degrees except those of
Apprentice, Fellow- Craft, and Master-Mason.
6. You agree to avoid private quarrels, and to guard against all intemperance
and excess.
7. You agree to be cautious in your behaviour, courteous to your Brethren,
and faithful to your Lodge.
8. You promise to respect true and faithful Brethren, and to discountenance
all impostors and dissenters from the original plan of the Institution.
9. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social
virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the art of Masonry, so far as your
influence and ability can extend.
10. You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to
make alteration or innovation in Masonry.
11. You promise to submit to the M. W. the Grand Master for the time
being, and to his Officers, when duly installed ; and strictly to conform to every
regulation of the Grand Lodge that is not subversive of the principles of
Masonry.
12. You admit that no Lodge can be constituted without a Charter from a
Grand Lodge, or other supreme body entitled to grant them, nor any counten-
ance given to an irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated
therein, and that no procession, consecration, or other ceremonial of Masons,
clothed with the Badges of the Order, can take place without the special
Licence of the Grand Lodge, or of the Provincial Grand Master of the District,
or (in his absence) of his Depute or Substitute.
13. You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason, or admitted a
Mason of any Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his character.
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APPENDIX X. 475
14. Yoo promise that do Visitors shall be reoeiyed into jour Lodge with-
out doe esaminatioxiy w producing proper vouchers of initiation in a regular
Lodge.
The presiding Brother then addresses the Masters Elect thus : —
Do you now, Brethren, cheerfully submit to these seyeral Charges
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
Scotland, and promise to support them, as all good Masters have done.
The Masters Elect having signified their assent, the presiding Brother
shall then proceed as follows : —
Then, Brethren, in consequence of the recommendation I have received
of you, and your cheerful conformity to the Charges and Regulations
rehearsed, and since it is the will and pleasure of the Brethren of this
Lodge that you become Masters thereof for the usual time, as they
confide in your known good behaviour, and think you fit and proper
persons to discharge the duties of said office, I must inform you that
you are not only to walk uprightly before God and man, and strictly
to follow the rules and constitutions of Masonry in general, but also to
adhere to the bye-laws of this Lodge in particular.
You will now step forward to the Altar, and take the oath de Jideli,
viz. : —
' I in the presence of the G. A. of the U., do solemnly pro-
' mise to perform the duties of the Office of Master or Depute Master,
' or Substitute Master, (as the case may be,) £Ekithfully, zealously, and im-
* partially, to the best of my ability, during the ensuing twelve months,
' unless a successor shall have been previously appointed and installed
^ in my stead. That while in the Chair I will not permit or suffer any
' deviation from the ancient customs and landmarks of the Order recog-
' nized by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, nor administer or cause to be
* a<drainistered any ceremony contrary to, or subversive of our constitu-
' tions. That I will maintain pure and unsullied the genuine tenets of
' the Order. That I will observe, and as far as lies in my power, strictly
' enforce those Charges and Regulations to which I have now given my
* assent, and otherwise conscientiously perform my duty as Master of the
' Craft. So help me God 1'
t
Brother [A. B.,] You have been elected Master of this Lodge. I
invest^ you with this Jewel belonging to that office. It consists of the
Square and Compasses, an arc of a circle, and a star representing the
^ The Master is installed as the Representative of the absent Master Masons
of the Lodge ; the Senior Warden as that of the absent Craftsmen, and the
Junior Warden of the Entered Apprentices.
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476 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Sun, The Sqtzare denotes in a moral sense that you are to regulate
jour actions by rule and line, and to harmonise your conduct by the prin-
ciples of morality and virtue ; and the Compasses, that although yoo
have been called to the high position of Master of this Lodge, you are
not to rule tyranically^ but to behave courteously to the Brethren. As
the Compasses on the arc of a circle indicate that it is the duty of every
Master to lay down plans for his workmen, so they teach that however
exalted be your station in society you have certain duties to perform to
those who are not so fortunate as yourself, and for the fulfilment of
which you must one day give an account to the All-seeing Eye on
which, typified by the Sun or Star on the Jewel, you ought at all times
to place your reliance. [The Holy Bible; which is never shut in a Lodge,
teaches us to love God ; and unless our motives be founded on that love,
and our actions spring from it, all the morality in the world is of no
avail.] *
Brother [C. D.,] I invest yon, as Depute Master, with this Sqtuire
and Compasses, being the insignia of your office. The Square has the
two ends of unequal length, the short one pointing to time, the other
to eternity ; so the Compasses, combined with the Square, will teach
you not only to be contented with your lot on earth, and thankful for
what your Heavenly Father bestows on you in this world, but that you
should press forward in the paths of virtue, and have in view the
attainment of a blessed immortality. In the absence of the Master
(and of any Past Master of the Lodge') you will take upon you the
duties of the Chair.
Brother [E. F.,] I invest you as Substitute Master. It is your duty
to preside in the Lodge when the Master or his Depute cannot be
present. Your Jewel is the Sqtuire, which denotes in a moral sense
that you are worthy of the office they have conferred upon you ; and
in its emblematic sense, that as when applied to work it shows whether
it be straight, level, and correct, so you are to observe that your conduct
ami actions, as well as those of the Brethren (at least in Lodge assem-
bled), are guided by the stem principles of justice.
Again addressing the Right Worshipful Master Elect : —
Right Worshipful Sir, I now place in your hand this Mallet^ or
MatiX : it has for long been the symbol of authority over the Brethren.
^ When a Chaplain is to be afterwards invested, the sentence marked [ ]
may be here omitted, and inserted into the Address to him.
' To be omitted at the Consecration of a new Lodge.
' This is the Mallet of the Lodge, not that of the Installing Brother, which
he does not relinquish until the conclusion of the whole Ceremonial.
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APPENDIX X. 477
As the CJiisel denioDstrates to us tbe advantage of discipline^ and the
Mallety when applied to it, lopes off excrescences and smoothes surfaces^
we are thus taught to correct irregularities, and reduce man to a proper
level ; so that, by quiet deportment, he may, in the school of discipline,
learn to be content. What tbe Mallet is to tbe workman, enlightened
reason is to the passions; it curbs ambition, depresses envy, moderates
anger, and checks every rising frailty.
I have now to wish you happiness and prosperity, and I pray the
Grand Architect of the Universe, of His infinite mercy and goodness,
to guide and direct you in all your actions, and to preserve you from
any breach of the duties of the high office to which you have been called.
The New Master is then conducted to tbe chair of his Lodge (in
front of that of the Installing Brother), his Depute and Substitute
standing on his right and left. The Members of the New Lodge then
advance in procession, paying due homage to the New Master, and
signify their subjection and obedience by the usual salutations in the
First Degree.
GRAND HONOURS.
This part of the ceremony being concluded, the Wardens and other
Office-bearers are requested to advance to the Altar, and the Installing ^
Brother will then take their oaths dejideli, viz. : —
'I, do hereby agree to accept of the office of Senior Warden
* or Junior Warden, &c., (as the case may be) of the Lodge , and
* solemnly promise, to the best of my ability, to discharge faithfully,
' zealously, and conscientiously, its duties during the ensuing twelve
' months, unless a successor shall be previously appointed and installed
' in my stead, and that I will do my utmost to forward the interests of
' the Lodge, and support the Master in his various duties. So help me
' God.'
The Office-bearers are then invested, in succession, with the Insignia
or Jewels of their office, and addressed as follows : —
Brother [G. H.,] you are, by the consent of this Lodge, elected Senior
Warden thereof for the usual time, in consequence of which I now in-
vest you with this Jewel as the insignia of your office. Observe, it is
^ When the Most Worshipful the Grand Master and his Officers attend to
constitute a New Lodge, the Grand Wardens may invest the Wardens, the
Grand Treasurer invest the Treasurer, and so on. Sometimes the New Master
enters immediately on the duties of his office by administering the oath de
fddi to, and investing the Wardens, &c., but it is more convenient in practice,
that at all Installations, the Presiding or Installing Brother conduct the
whole Ceremonial.
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478 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
a Level, to denote to yoa, in its moral sense, that we are descended
from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same
hope ; and that though distinctions among men are necessary to pre-
serve subordination, yet no eminence of station can make us forget that
we are Brethren ; and, in its emblematic sense, that in all Masonic con-
cerns you are to consider your Brethren as strictly on a level with you.
Your early and regular attendance at your Lodge is particularly
necessary, in order to assist to the utmost in your power and skill in
the good management thereof.
Brother [L J.,] you have been, by the consent of this Lodge,
elected Junior Warden thereof for the usual time, in consequence of
which I invest you with this Jewel as the insignia of your office.
Observe, it is a Plumb Rule, with a Plummet affixed, to denote to you,
in its moral sense, that ^ou owe your promotion to your uprightness
and integrity, and that you are at all times to be upright in your con-
duct j and, in its emblematic sense, that in the discharge of the many
duties of this difficult and arduous office, and in all Masonic concerns,
you are to take especial care to act with perfect uprightness, so that if
your Jewel should be figuratively applied, it will be found so.
Worshipful Senior and Junior Wardens, those columns,^ the badges
of your office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and
attention.
The Senior and Junior Grand Wardens are then conducted to their
seats and saluted.
The Treasurer is then invested with the Insignia of his office : —
Brother [K. L,] by investing you with this Jewel I have to remind
you that it is your duty to collect subscriptions and other fees, and
keep an exact account of the Lodge expenses. You are also to transmit
to the Grand Lodge the dues for recording Intrants and the Annual
Certificates, and this whether the Lod^e sanction it or not, these monies
NOT BEING LAWFULLY ITS PROPERTY, BUT THAT OF THE GrAND LoDGE
OF Scotland alone, and for which you are personally respon-
sible. Your regular and early attendance will afford the best proof of
your zeal and attachment.
The Secretary is then invested with the Insignia of his office : —
Brother [M. N.,] you have been elected Secretary of this Lodge ; it
is your province to record the minutes, issue the summonses for our
^ When the work of Masonry in the Lodge is carrying od, the column of
the Senior Warden is raised ; when the Lodge is at refreshment the column of
the Junior Warden is raised.
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APPENDIX X. 479
regular meetings, and make the due returns of Officers and Members
to the Grand Lodge ; your good inclinations to Masonry and this Lodge
I hope will induce yon to discharge your office with fidelity, and by
so doing you will merit the esteem and approbation of your Brethren.
The Deacons are then invested : —
Brother [0. P.J I invest you with the Jewel of Senior Deacon ; it is
the Mallet, and ought to teach you that skill without exertion is of little
avail, that labour is the lot of man, for the heart may conceive and the
head may devise in vain, if the hand be not prompt to execute the
design.
Brother [Q. R.,] your Jewel of office, as Junior Deacon, is the
Trowel, which teaches us to spread the cement of brotherly love and
affection — ^that cement which unites us all into one sacred band, a
society of friends and brothers among whom no contention should ever
exist but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best
work and who can best agree.
Brothers [0. P.] and [Q. R.,] it is your province to attend on the
Worshipful Master and Wardens, and to act as their assistants in the
active duties of the Lodge ; such as in the reception of Candidates into
the different degrees of Masonry, and in the immediate practice of our
rites. I commit to you these Rods as your badges of office.
The Stewards are next invested : —
Brothers [S. T.] and [U. V.,] you have been appointed Stewards
of this Lodge. The duties of your office are to introduce Visitors,
and see that they are accommodated j as also to see that the tables are
properly furnished at refreshment^ and that every Brother is suitably
provided for; and, generally, to assist the Deacons and other Office-
bearers in performing their respective duties.
The Inner Guard is then invested as follows : —
Brother [W. X.,] the Cross-swoi'ds with which I invest you indicate
that you are to suffer none to pass or repass but such as are duly quali-
fied; and, emblematically, to set a guard over our thoughts, a watch at
our lips, and post a sentinel over our actions. Your duty is to admit
Masons on proof, to receive candidates in due form, and to obey the
commands of the Junior Warden.
The Tyler is then brought forward and invested with the Jewel and
instrument of his office : —
Brother [Y. Z.,] I commit this Sword into your hands, to enable you
effectually to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers,
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480 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
by which wo are rcmioded we ought to prevent the approach of every
unworthy thought or deed, and to preserve a conscience void of offence
towards God and towards man.
The Ceremonial of Investiture having come to a close, the presiding
Brother will then give a general Address to the Master, Wardens, and
Brethren, in the following manner ^ : —
R. W. Sir, — The Brethren having committed the Lodge to your care
you cannot be insensible to the importance of the charge, and to your
responsibility for the faithful discharge of the duties annexed to the
appointment. The honour, the reputation, and the usefulness of this
Lodge will materially depend on the skill and ability with which you
manage its concerns, whilst the happiness of the Brethren will be gene-
rally promoted by the zeal and assiduity with which you promulgate
the genuine tenets and principles of the Order. As a pattern for your
imitation, consider that glorious luminary which regularly diffuses light
and lustre to all ; in like manner, it will be your province to communi-
cate light and instruction to the Brethren of your Lodge, impress on
them the dignity and high importance of Masonry, and charge them to
practise out of the Lodge those excellent precepts which they are
taught in it, so that, when any one is said to be a Free-Mason, the
world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour
forth its sorrows, to whom the distressed may prefer their suit, whose
heart is guided by justice, and whose hand is extended by benevolence.
W. Wardens, — You are too well acquainted with the laws of Free
Masonry to warrant any distrust that you will be found wanting in the
proper discharge of the duties of your respective offices ; suffice it to
observe, that what you have seen praiseworthy in others you will care-
fully imitate^ and what in them may have appeared defective, you will
in yourselves amend. You ought to be patterns of good order and
regularity, as it is only by a due observance of the Laws yourselves
that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are assi-
duously to assist the Master in the discharge of the important duties of
his situation, and carefully instruct those whom he may place under
your charge. From the zeal you have shewn towards our excellent
Institution, and the desire you have evinced to promote its best inte-
rests, I entertain no doubt that your conduct will be such as to merit
^ Any other similar Address may be given. At the Erection of a new Lodge^
although the Investiture of the Wardens and inferior Office-bearers be per-
formed by the new Master, the Address ought to be given by the Brother who
pruidet on the occasion.
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APPENDIX X. 481
tbe approbation of your Brethren, and the testimony of a good con-
science.
Bri^hren, — Such is the nature of onr constitution, that as some must
of necessity rale and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and
obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The Brethren who have
been appointed to assist in the government of the Lodge are too well
acquainted with the principles of Masonry and the rules of good man-
ners to extend the power with which they are entrusted ; and you are
too sensible of the propriety of their appointment, and of too generous
dispositions, to envy their preferment. From the knowledge I have
of both Officers and Members, I trust that all will have but one aim
^~to please each other, and unite in the great design of communicating
happiness. May you all enjoy every satisfaction and delight which dis-
interested friendship can give, within these sacred walls ! May Free-
Masonry flourish in every part of the globe, and rise superior to all
opposition ! May it become influential in difl'using the light of Wisdom,
aiding the strength of reason, dispensing the heatUies of virtue, and lessen-
ing the aggregate of human misery and vice ! May it teach us to measure
our actions by the rule of rectitude, square our conduct by the principles
of morality, and guide our very thoughts within the compass of pro-
priety ! Hence we learn to be meek, humble, and resigned, and to
moderate the passions, the excess of which deform and disorder the very
soul ; and the Brother who has thus far discharged his duty as a Mason^
can patiently await the arrival of that awful moment when the soul
shall take wing to the boundless and unexplored mansions above.
Brethren, such are the genuine tenets and principles of our Order.
May they be transmitted through the Lodge pure and unsullied through
all generations ! To obtain this end, let us continue to cultivate the
great moral and social virtues laid down on our Masonic tracing-board,
and improve ourselves in everything that is good, amiable, and useful.
And may the Great Architect of the Universe preside over our Temple,
and under His all-seeing eye let us ever act with a dignity becoming
the high and venerable character of our Institution.
The new Master now thanks the Presiding Brother.
GRAND HONOURS.
Then shall be sung Psalm c, accompanied by Music.
Thanksoivino by the V. W. the Grand or Provincial Grand Chaplain.
Blessed be Thy name, 0 great Architect of the Universe, that it
hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to found this
32
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482 THE HISTORY OP FREE MABONRY.
Lodge to Thy honour and glory. Bless them, 0 Lord, with Thine
especial blessing, and grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this
pious work, may continue Thy faithful servants unto their lives* end.
Let their practice shadow forth the blessed principles of Faith, Hope,
and Charity ; and when Thou shalt be pleased to call them hence, and
the earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved, give them a
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Response hy the Brethren. — So mote it be.
GRAND HONOURS.
Refreshments served, preceded and followed by the usual alterations.
THE MASONIC ANTHEM.
After which the Lodge shall be closed in due form, and in the third
degree.*
^ The preceding Ceremonials may be abridged or extended at pleasure,
provided nothing be introduced that can give oJBFence to any Brother either in
religion or politics ; the material points, however, are on no account to be
omitted. It is perhaps no necessary to add that the Presiding Brother ought to
commit the whole to memory, it being qnite contrary to the spirit of Scottish
Masonry to read any portion, except the Charge and Regulations at pages
474 and 475. The following Rules must also be observed : — Isl. None bat
Master Masons belonging to a regular Lodge can be present. 2d, None can be
admitted without a Ticket. 3d, Each Brother, before entering, will sign his
name, and the name of the Lodge of which he is a Member. 4th. No one can
be admitted after the Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge is opened. 5th. Cos-
tume— Full Dress, black, with white stock and gloves.
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APPENDIX XI. 483
APPENDIX XI.
(Referred to at page 153, iupra.)
AFFIRMATION BY SUBORDINATE LODGES.
We, tLe Master and Treasurer of the Lodge ^
holding of The Grand Lodge op Scotland, No. , do hereby
solemnly Declare and Affirm on our honour, as Free and Accepted
Masons, that the said Lodge is really held solely for the purposes of
Free Masonry, in strict confonnity with the ancient rules and usages of
the Craft, and the Regulations and Enactments of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland.
Given under our hands, this day of
1 8 years.
, Master.
©, Treasurer.
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484 TnB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XII.
(Referred to ai pa^e 163» avpra.)
The Grand Lodge of Scotland do hereby Certify that the Lodge
, has, during the
year preceding last Sammer St John*B Day, complied with all the
Masonic usages enjoined by the Grand Lodge. The said Lodge there-
fore is entitled to, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland do hereby renew
and continue to them, for another twelve months, the privilege of hold-
ing Masonic Meetings, under the Sanction and Authority of the Grand
Lodge, and of exercising the whole powers and functions of Free-
MasonS; in terms of, and conform to their Charter of Constitution and
Erection.
Given under our hands, and Seal of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
and by the authority of the Grand Lodge, this
day of years.
, 0. Secy.
, G. Clerk.
^ [Failing the taking ont of these Certificates for a longer period than one
year for Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello Lod^^es, or two yean for Provincial
Lodges, as the case may be, the Lodges so offending shall be incapable of being
represented in Grand Lodge. Those remaining uncertified, or in arroar of
Returns of Intrants for five tears, to be considered dormant, and struck off
the Roll.— Grand Lodge Laws and Constitutions, Edition 1848. — E.]
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APPENDIX XIII. 485
APPENDIX XIII.
CERTIFICATE TO BE GRANTED BT SUBORDINATE LODGES TO THEIR
MEMBERS.
We hereby certify that Brother (JvU name and designation of the BrotJier
in whose favour the Certificate is granted) was, on the day of
,18 , regalarly entered Apprentice ; on
the day of passed Fellow-Craft ;
and on the day of raised to the sublime
Degree of Master- Mason {or so much of the preceding as may he appli-
cable) in the Lodge {here specify name of Lodge) holding of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, No. , and that the name of the said Brother
has been transmitted to the Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk {as the case
may be) for registration and enrolment in the Books of the said Grand
Lodge.
To this Certificate the said Brother
has, in oar presence, adhibited on the margin his usnal signature.
Given under our hands this day of
18
, Master,
, Secretary.
' [This Certificate entitles the Brother to Masooic privileges in the Lodge
which grants it ; and, if a Master Mason, to a Grand Lodge Diploma, on pay-
ment of the usual Fee8.—K]
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486 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XIV.
PROXY COMMISSION BY LODGES ABROAD OR IN THE PROVINCES. ^
We, the Master and Wardens of the Lodge ,
holding of The Grand Lodge of Scotland, finding it inconyenient
to attend the Quarterly Communications and other Meetings of the
Grand Lodge, do hereby, with the consent and approbation of our
Brethren, nominate and appoint our truly and well-beloved Brother
, Master-Mason of the Lodge
, holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
No. , to be our Hepresentative in said Grand Lodge, with full power
to him to make choice of two Brethren, Master-Masons, to be his War-
dens ; hereby authorising our said Representative and his Wardens to
act and vote upon all questions that may come before the said Grand
Lodge, as fully and freely in all respects as we could do ourselves if per-
sonally present.
Given under our hands, and Seal of the Lodge, in full Lodge
assembled, this {2itJi JunCj or 27th December, or ,
being the day of the Annual Election of Office- Bearers,) in tho
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
and of Light five thousand eight hundred and
©, Master.
, Senior Warden.
, Junior Warden.
, Secretary.
^ [Every Proxj Commifision must be expressed in the above Form, and shall
be grwnJUd and dated on one or other of the two St John's Days, or on the day
of the Annual Election of the Office-Bearers of the Lodge, and can only be
cancelled on one or other of these days. Nevertheless, by an amendment on the
Laws, passed 3d November 1851, Lodges appointing Proxies shall be represented
in Grand Lodge by their actual Masters and Wardens if notice to that effect is
given to the Grand Clerk (who shall intimate the same to the Representatives
to be superseded,) at least one calendar month previous to each of the meet-
ings at which they desire to bo present, provided their names were transmitted
to the Grand Clerk within one month after their election. In the event of the
death or resignation of a Proxy Master his constituents may immediately
thereafter elect another, but his Wardens shall remain till next Annual
Election. Proxy Wardens cannot be changed oftener than once a*year, unless
on account of the death, or permanent residence out of town, of one or both
of them. The issue of blank Proxy Commissions is strictly prohibited. — E.]
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APPENDIX XV. 487
APPENDIX XV.
COMMISSION TO ▲ PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER.
To All and Sundry the Lodges hereinafter specified,
Most Worshipful Grand Master
of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted
Masons in Scotland. Whereas The Grand Lodge of Scotland have
Resolved, for the further promoting the interest of the Craft, and
prosperity and advancement of Masonry, that Provincial Grand Masters
should be appointed to visit the several Lodges which lie at too great a
distance from the seat of the Grand Lodge to be visited by tlio Grand
Master in person. Know ye, therefore, that we, in prosecution of the
foresaid Resolution, with advice and consent of the Officers of the Grand
Lodge, have Constituted and Appointed, and hereby Constitute and
Appoint, our Right Worshipful Brother ,
Provincial Grand Master for , and to preside over
the following Lodges, viz.
with full power to our Provincial Grand Master
to appoint proper persons to act as his Depute and Substitute, as Grand
Wardens, and Secretary, and in our name to assemble and convene the
above Lodges in his Province, at such fixed times and places as may
suit the convenience of all parties : And also to visit the said Lodges,
and preside therein, to enquire into the state and condition of the said
Lodges, receive from them such proposals and requests as they shall
desire to be offered to us for the welfare and prosperity of Masonry, or
for the advantage and convenience of the said Lodges respectively ;
and, in particular, that our Provincial Grand Master shall make enquiry
into the Orders and Degrees of Masonry practised in the respective
Lodges in his Province, and shall strictly prohibit and discharge them
from practising any other Degrees than that of St John's Masonry, con-
sisting of Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master-Mason, the only Three
Degrees sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Scotland : And in general
to do, execute, and perform everything which, by the rules of Masonry,
is known to belong to the duty and office of a Provincial Grand
Master ; requiring our said Provincial Grand Master to obey all such
instructions as ho shall receive from us, and to report to the Grand
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488 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Lodge, from time to time, bis whole actings and proceedings in virtue
of this Commission : And we hereby req[uire the foresaid Lodges to pay
all due obedience to our said Proyincial Grand Master and the
Wardens to be by him appointed : And this Commission shall continue
in force until recalled. In testimony whereof, these presents are given
under the hands of our Secretary and Clerk, and the Seal of the Grand
Lodge hereunto appended, at the Grand Lodge of Scotland, held iu
the City of Edinburgh, this day of , in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ,
and of Masonry five thousand eight hundred and
By Command of the Most Worshipful
The Grand Master-Mason of Scotland.
, G. Secy.
, G. GUrh,
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APPENDIX XVI. 489
APPENDIX XVI.
REGULATIONB AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OP
PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS.
(R^errtd to at page 163, supra,)
]. That the Provincial Grand Master shall, with his earliest conve-
nience, assemble and convene, at a place most suitable and convenient
for all concerned, the respective Lodges in his district, and lay before
them his Commission from the Grand Lodge.
2. That as it is of the ntmost consequence to be accurately informed
whether the Lodges holding of the Grand Lodge have complied with
the requisites ojf the Act of Parliament and the Resolutions of the
Grand Lodge, referred to at pages 151-154, supra, the Provincial
Grand Master is particularly requested to attend that the Lodges in
his district strictly and literally comply therewith.
3. That the Provincial Grand Master shall visit the Lodges in his
district at such fixed and stated times as may be agreed on between
them respectively : He shall also assemble them in such central places
as may best suit the attendance of the Brethren of the Lodges under
his charge, fourteen days at least • prior to each of the Quarterly Com-
munications of the Grand Lodge ; or if not four times, at least twice in
every year ; the respective Lodges always receiving due and timeous
notification when and where such meeting or meetings are to be held.
4. That all complaints, whether by individual Brethren of Lodges, or
by one Lodge against another, shall be given in in writing, and must, in
the first place, be brought before the Provincial Grand Master of the
district, who shall immediately, or as soon thereafter as convenient,
convene the Master and Wardens of all the Lodges in his district, and
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490 THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
lay the complaiDt before them, when they, or the majority of those pre*
sent, shall investigate the matter, and give sacb judgment thereon as
may appear to them just and proper.
5. That the Provincial Grand Lodges called for determining snch
complaints shall consist only of the Master and Wardens, duly elected
by the respective Lodges for the year ; the Provincial Grand Master,
or, in case of his absence, the Master of the Senior Lodge present, to be
Preses and Convener ; and in all questions brought before them the
majority of votes shall determine the matter.
6. That the Masters and Wardens of the respective Lodges shall uot
be entitled to have a vote at any of these meetings till such time as they
produce their Annual Certificate from the Grand Lodge, of their having
complied with the requisites of the Act of Parliament and Resolutions
of the Grand Lodge.
7. That should either of the parties be dissatisfied with the judgment
pronounced, they may bring it under the review of the Grand Lodge
by appeal ; or should the Provincial Graud Lodge find a difficulty
in coming to a decision, the Provincial Giund Master may report the
case to the Grand Lodge for their opinion and direction.
8. That in case of an appeal by the parties, or a report by the Pro-
vincial Grand Master, the complaint, with all the other papers and pro-
ductions, and the proof taken therein, must be trausmitted to the Grand
Secretary or Grand Clerk on or before the first Monday of February,
the first Monday of May, the first Monday of August, or the first
Monday of November, these being the regular Quarterly Communica-
tions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
9. That the Provincial Grand Master shall make inquiry into the
Orders and Degrees of Masonry practised in the respective Lodges in
his district, and strictly prohibit and discharge them from practising any
other Degrees than that of St John's Masonry, consisting of Apprentice,
Fellow- Craft, and Master Mason, — the only three Orders sanctioned by
the Grand Lodge of Scotland.
10. That the Provincial Grand Master shall make his Secretary or
Clerk keep regular Minutes of all the meetings and proceedings held
by him and his Lodge ; and that, once in every year, viz. — previous to
the Quarterly Communication iu February, the said Secretary or Clerk
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APPENDIX XVI. 491
shall transmit an abstract of these proceedings to the Grand Secretary
or Grand Clerk, in order that the same may be laid before the Grand
Lodge, and in this Report he shall particularly specify 1st, The names of
those Lodges in the district thattare in existence, and hold regular and
stated meetings, and have compfed with the requisites of the Act of
Parliament and Resolutions of the Grand Lodge above referred to;
and 2dli/, A list of those Lodges that do not hold regular meetings, the
cause of their discontinuance, and, as nearly as possible, the time when
they gave up holding these meetings ; so that the Grand Lodge may be
accurately informed what Lodges are still in existence, and take such
measures as may appear necessary for striking those that are Dormant
off the Roll of the Grand Lodge.
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402 THE tllSTOBY OP FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XVII.
FORM OF COMMISSION BY A PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER.
I, A. B., ProTincial Grand Master of the Province of
, acting under Warrant from The Grand Lodge of
Scotland, do hereby nominate and appoint Brother C. D., Master-Mason
of the Lodge , to the office of ,
in the Provincial Grand Lodge of ; ^ and I hereby declare
that this appointment shall be of no avail until the said Brother C. D.
be properly installed into said office in presence of the said Provincial
Grand Lodge ; and I farther declare that this appointment shall remain
in force until it shall seem to me expedient to recal the same, and to
appoint another Brother to the like office.
Given under my Hand and Seal, at ,
this day of , a.d. 18 , and
of Light 58
^ If the Commission be in favour of Depute Provincial Grand Master, add
here — ** Giving to him, in my absence, the same powers which I myself
possess."
^ If in favour of Substitute Provincial Grand Master, add here— ** Giving to
him, in my absence, and in the absence of the Depute Provincial Grand Master,
the same powers which I myself possess."
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APPENDIX XVI 1 1. 493
APPENDIX XVIII.
COMMISSION IN FAVOUR OF ▲ REPRESENTATIVE TO A SISTER GRAND
LODGE. ^
, Moat Worshipful Grand
Master-MasoD of Scotland, by and with the consent of the Grand Lodge,
hereby nominates, constitutes, and appoints
to be Representative to the Grand Lodge
of ; from the said Grand Lodge of Scotland. — Giving
and Granting by these Presents, to our said Representative, full power,
warranty and authority, to act and appear for us in said Grand Lodge
of , and to co-operate on our behalf in all
laudable endeavours to promote the interest and prosperity of the
Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.
Further, we do hereby, with advice and consent foresaid, confer on
our said Representative the rank of
In testimony whereof these Presents are subscribed by us, and by
the Secretary and Clerk of the Grand Lodge, at Edinburgh,
this day of , 18 , and of
Light 58 .
, Grand Master.
, Grand Secy.
, Grand ClerL
^ [Representatives to Sister Grand Lodges may be appointed bj the Grand
Lodge at any Quarterly Communication ; and shall have conferred on them
such rank as may be appropriate. Representatives from Sister Grand Lodges
are, on presentation of their Commissions, received at any Quarterly Com-
munication of the Grand Lodge, and take such rank therein as is allowed in
their Commissions ; but said Representative Members have no vote, as such
in the Grand Lodge. — E.J
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494 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XIX.
REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED AT LAYING FOUNDATION-STONES.
(R^erred to at page 290, tupra.)
1. In all cases when the Grand Lodge is called upon to officiate at the
laying of Foundation-Stones, the application must be made throagh
the Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk, either of whom shall convene a
meeting of the Grand Committee within eight days, and lay the same
before it, which shall have power, if it sees fit, to take steps to carry
the same into effect, and order the Grand Secretary to summon a meet-
ing of the Grand Lodge for the occasion, at the place and date specified.
2. When the use of the Grand Lodge Jewels, Paraphernalia, &C., are
required by Provincial Grand Lodges, for the ceremony of laying Founda-
tion-Stones, or other Masonic demonstrations, the application must be
made through the Provincial Grand Master, as before provided throngh
the Grand Secretary or Grand Clerk ; all expenses connected with the
transmission of the Jewels, kc, to be defrayed by the parties applying.
3. Where Foundation-S tones are to be laid in the Provinces with
Masonic Honours, at which the Grand Lodge may not find it con-
venient, or may not hare been invited to attend, the Provincial Grand
Master shall preside, and make all necessary arrangements ; or in his
absence the Depute or Substitute Provincial Grand Master, or Senior or
Junior Provincial Grand Warden ; whom failing, the Master of the
Senior Lodge of the district. In the event of the Provincial Grand
Lodge being dormant, it shall be in the power only of the Grand
Lodge or Grand Committee to appoint a Brother to preside, who may
select the other Office-bearers for the occasion.
4. All Masonic Processions at laying Foundation-Stones shall be
carried into effect, as nearly as the circumstances will permit^ as pro-
vided for in Appendix U to the Grand Lodge Laws. '
5. No Lodge in the Edinburgh District shall be permitted to conduct
the ceremony of laying a Fonndation-Stone without the sanction of the
Grand Lodge or Grand Committee being first obtained ; or, if in the
Provinces, that of the Provincial Grand Master.
' [See Appendix xx hereof. — K.]
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APPENDIX XX. 405
APPENDIX XX.
ORDER OF PROCESSION, AND CEREMONIAL TO BE OBSERVED AT LATINO
A FOUNDATION-STONE.
The Grand Lodge having been opened at a convenient place, and the
necessary directions and instructions given, it is adjonmed. The
Brethren being in their proper Clothing and Jewels, and wearing White
Gloves, the Procession moves in the following order, viz. —
Band of Mnsic.
Lodges present, and their Brethren, according to Seniority on the
Grand Lodge Roll, — Junior Lodge in front.
Stranger Brethren belon^ng to warranted Lodges holding of a recognised Grand
Lodge, other than that of Scotland.
Members of the Grand Lodge according to Seniority on the Roll of Lodges, —
Juniors in front.
Past Grand Masters.
Provincial Grand Lodges, — Home and Foreign.
Provincial Grand Masters.
Past Grand Wardens, &c.
Band of Music.
Grand Marshals.
Grand Tyler. (Wiift, Drawn Swords.) Grand Tyler.
Grand Director of Music. Grand Bard. Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Grand Steward. (With While Rods.) Grand Steward.
Level. (Carried by Operatives.) Plumb.
Grand Steward. (White Rods.) Grand Steward.
Compass. (Carried by Operatives.) Square.
Grand Steward. ( White Rods.) Grand Steward.
Mallet,
(Carried by an Operative.)
Grand Steward. ( White Rods*) Grand Steward.
Vase (Wine.) Comucopisd (Com,) Vase (Oil)
Grand Steward. Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
(With White Rods.)
Grand Jeweller.
Grand Bible-Bearer.
Inscription Plates. Architect with Plans. Bottles with Coins, &c.
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496 THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
(With White Jiodt,)
Senior Grand Deacon. Grand Chaplain in his Robes. Junior Grand Deacon.
Grand Steward. ( WhUe Rodi,) Grand Steward.
Qrand Secretary. Grand Treasurer. Grand Clerk.
Grand Steward. Grand Steward. Grand Steward.
Senior Grand Warden. ( With Batons.) Junior Grand Warden.
Grand Steward. ( White Bods.) Grand Steward.
Past Grand Master. Depute Grand Master. Substitute Grand Master.
Grand Steward. Vice-President of Grand Stewards. Grand Steward.
(White Rods,)
Grand Sword- Bearer.
The GRAND MASTER.
Grand Steward, j president of Grand Stewards, ) Grand Steward,
(W^^^Rod.) I (Carnfiny Grand Masters Rod.) \ (y^j^i^l^,)
Detachment of Cavaliy.
Having arrived within a proper distance of the Stone, the Procession
halts, the Brethren open to the right and left, so as to leave room for
the Grand Master and other Office-bearers to pass up the centre. On
arriving at the Platform —
The Architect is the first of the Masonic Procession who walks up to
the Platform on the East ; Idly, the Grand Chaplain ; ^dly, the Grand
Jeweller, Grand Deacons, Grand Clerk, Grand Secretary, Grand Trea-
surer, Grand Wardens, and Substitute ; then the Grand Master, Past
Grand Master, and Depute Grand Master, followed by the Provincial
Grand Masters and Brethren attendant, — all giving way to the Grand
Master when on the Platform, and the Substitute taking the right of the
Grand Master.
Band of Music to be thereafter placed in a conspicuous situation ; and
the Grand Jewels, <&c., to be laid on the Grand Master s Table.
" Queen's Anthem," by the Band.
" HaU Masonry;' by the Band.
The Grand Chaplain to offer up a Prayer.
The Grand Master calls upon the Grand Treasurer, Secretary, and
Clerk to place the Coins, &c., in the cavities of the Stone, and the
Architect to bring forward the necessary workmen ; — when Coins, &c.,
are placed, —
" Great Light to Shine,*' is played by the Band.
While this is playing, three distinct stops to be made in bringing
I down the Stone.
The Grand Master upon this walks down from the Platform to the
East of the Stone, with the Substitute on his right hand, the Grand
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APPENDIX XX. 497
Wardens walking before him, who go to the West, having with them
the Level and the Plamb.
The Grand Master says— R. W. Substitute Grand Master you will cause
the various implements to be applied to the Stone that it may be laid in
its bed according to the rules of Masonry. The Substitute Grand
Master orders the Wardens to do their duty. ^The Grand Master
then says — Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, What is the proper
Jewel of your Office ? The Plumb. Have you applied the Plumb
to the several edges of the Stone 1 1 have, M. W. G. M.
Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, What is the proper Jewel
of your Office ? The Level. Have you applied the Level to the
top of the Stone 1 1 have, M. W. G. M.
Right Worshipful Substitute Grand Master, What is the proper Jewel
of your Office 1 The Square. Have you applied the Square to
those parts of the Stone that are square ? 1 have, M. W. G. M.
The Grand Master then says — Having, My R. W. Brethren, full con-
fidence in your skill in our Royal Art, it remains with me now to finish
fhis our Work.
He then gives the Stone three Knocks, saying —
" May the Almighty Architect of the Universe look down with be-
nignity upon our present undertaking, and crown the edifice, of which
we have now laid the foundation, with every success."
Three Cheers !
Music.
"On I On my dear BreQvren^^
During the Music,
The ComucopisB is delivered, to the Substitute, the Vase with Wine to
the Senior Grand Warden, and the Vase with Oil to the Junior Grand
Warden.
After the Music ceases the Cornucopia) is delivered by the Substitute
to the Grand Master, who throws it upon the Stone. The Vase with
Wine is then handed to the Substitute, and is delivered by him to the
Grand Master, who pours it upon the Stone, and the Oil in the same
manner, saying —
''Praise be to the Lord immortal and eternal, who formed the
Heavens, laid the foundations of the Earth, and extended the Waters
beyond it, — who supports the Pillars of Nations, and maintains in order
and harmony surrounding worlds. We implore Thy aid, and may the
continued blessings of an all-bounteous Providence be the lot of these
33
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498 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
our native shores ; and may the Almighty Ruler of Events deign to
direct the hand of our gracious Sovereign, so that she may pour down
blessings upon her people ; and may her people^ living under sage laws,
in a free Government, ever feel grateful for the blessings they enjoy.*'
"Masons' Anikem."
The Grand Officers return to their Platform when the Anthem ceases.
Three Cheers !
Address by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master.
Reply.
" Bule Britannia,'*
The Procession then returns in inverted order to the place from
which it set out, where the Grand Lodge is closed.
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APPENDIX XXI. 499
APPENDIX XXI.
FUND OP SCOTTISH MASONIC BBNETOLENCE, INSTITUTED 3D AUGUST 1846.
(Referred to at pope 268, eupra.)
[The fands are raised by means of Annual Contributions from the Office-Bearers
and Members of the Grand Lodg;e^ and Lodges in the Edinburgh District,
bj a fee of one shilling on each recorded Intrant, and by donations from
the Brethren and Daughter Lodges. All applications for charity must be
by Petition in one or other of the following forms, and must be certified by
the Master or Proxy Master of the Lodge from which the Petitioner
derives right ; but in the event of such Lodge being dormant, struck off
the Roll, having no Proxy in town, or being in arrear, such applications
may be certified by any duly qualified Master or Proxy Master. No Peti-
tion can be received from any Brother, or from his widow or child, if his
name is not enrolled in the Grand Lodge books. In extraordinary cases
the Committee are empowered, after satisfactory examination, to afford
relief to Brethren of the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, or Foreign
Countries ; and in oases of peculiar urgency the Grand Secretary or Grand
Clerk may give such poor or itinerant Brethren as appear proper objects
of charity a sum not exceeding ten shillings, if the exigency of their cir-
cumstances do not admit of the delay necessary to lay their cases before
the Committee. Petitioners must state the number of their family, if
any, and their respective ages, and who, if any of them, are earning
livelihoods for themselves, and whether the applicants are in receipt of
parochial or other relief. All Petitions must be lodged at least three
days previous to the meeting of Committee. Foims may be obtained
on application at the Offices of the Grand Lodge. — E.]
PETITION FOR RELIEF BY A MEMBER OF THE CRAFT.
To the Manaoinq Committee of the Fund of Scottish Masonic
Benetolence.
The Petition of {Name and Address.)
Shewethj
That your Petitioner was duly entere<l as a Member of the Craft, in
the Lodge (Here name the Lodge to which the Petitioner belongs) holding
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500 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
of The Grand Lodge of Scotland, No. , on or about the
day of 18 , {Rere state date of Initiation) and in con-
sequence of (Here state the particular circumstances of the case) is no^r
under the necessity of seeking assistance from the Fund under your
management.
May it therefore please the Committee to afford such assistance
as in the circumstances may be thought proper.
And your Petitioner will ever pray,
(Sign)
(Date)
Certificate by Master or Proxy Master, attached to the preceding Fetiiion.
As Master or Proxy Master of the Lodge, No. , to which the
above named Brother belongs, I certify that what is g^jore out Bach
stated in the foregoing Petition is correct and consistent words as are
with my knowledge, and T recommend [or] do not recom- "*>**PP >^«> «•
mend (as the case may be) him as deserving of assistance from the Fund
OF Scottish Masonic Benevolence.
(Sign)
(Date)
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APPENDIX xxn. 501
APPENDIX XXII.
PETITION FOR RELIEF BY THE WIDOW ^ OR CHILD OF A DECEASED
FREEMASON.
{Rrfeirtd to at page 258, w^rcL)
To the Managing Committee of the Fund of Scottish Masonic
Benevolence.
The Petition of {Name and Address.)
Shetveth,
That your Petitioner is (State the capacity in which the Applicant
comes before the Committee) of , who was regularly
entered as a Member of the Craft in the Lodge {Nams and Nwmher of
tlie Lodge) holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, No. , on or
about the day of , 18 , and in consequence of
{Here state the particular circumstances of the case, to encMe the Com-
mittee to decide upon the application) is now under the necessity of
seeking assistance from the Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence.
May it therefore please the Committee to afford such relief as in
the circumstances may be thought proper.
And your Petitioner will ever pray,
(Sign)
(Date)
Certificate by Master or Proxy Matter, attached to the preceding Petition.
As Master or Proxy Master of the Lodge, No. , to which {state
whet?ier husband or father) of the Petitioner belonged, I g^^e out such
certify that the statement contained in the preceding words as are
Petition is correct, and I recommend [or] do not recom- "®^ applicable,
mend {as the case may be) the Applicant to the favourable consideration
of the Committee.
(Sign)
(Date)
^ Satisfactory evidence of Marriage wuM be produced by Widows of Masons on pre-
sentaJtion of this Petition,
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XXIII.
DESOBIPTIOV OF THE CLOTHING AND JEWELS OF THE GRAND LODGE
OF SCOTLAND.
[These form part of the IllnstratioDS of this Yolome.]
The Jewels of the Grand Lodge (Gold) are as follows : —
The Grand Master,
A Brilliant Star, haTing in the centre a Field Aznre — charged with a Si
Andrew on the Crow, — ^pendant therefrom the Compasses extended, with the
Square, and Segment of a circle of 9(^, — the points of the Compasses rest-
ing on the Segment. In the centre, between the Sqnare and Compasses,^ tlie
Sun in full glory.
Past Grand Master,
A similar Jewel of less dimenmons, but without the San between the
Square and Compasses.
Depute Grand Master,
The Compasses and Square united, pendant from a small brilliant St9r.
SuhstitfUe Grand Master,
Senior Grand Warden,
JwUor Grand Warden,
Grand Treasurer,
Grand Secretary,
Grand Clerk,
Grand Cfiaptain,
Senior Qramd Deacon,
Jwnior Orand Deacon,
The Square, pendant from a Star.
The LeyeV ditto.
The Plumb, 1 ditto.
A Chased Kej.
Kej and Pen, crossed with a Tie.
Cross Pens, with a Tie.
Eradiated Eye in a Triangle.
The Mallet, within a Wreath.
The Trowel, within a Wreath.
Orand JeweUer,
Grand ArdiiteU,
Corinthian Column, based on a Segment of 90*^.
A Goldsmith'sHammerywithin a Wreath.
Grand Btbk- Bearer,
The Bible, encircled with Branches of Acacia and Palm.
Grand Dirtctor qf Ceremonies, Cross Bods, with Tie.
Qra-nd Bard^ .... A Grecian Lyre.
1 Hie Square and CompoBMs, L«Tel, and Plamb Rule, are the Maaonto Jewels proper,
othen are Ilonorary Jewels.
The
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APPENDIX XXIII. 503
Qrand Sword-Bearer, . . . Cross Swords, with Tie.
Grand Director of Mtuic, . . Cross Trumpets, with Garland.
Grand Marshals, .... Cross Baton and Sword.
Grand Tyler, .... The Sword.
President of the Board of Grand Stewards, — Cornucopise and Cup, within aWreath.
Provincial Gramd Master, — The Compasses and Square, with a five-pointed Star
in Centre.
Provincial Depute Grand Matter, — The Compasses and Square.
The other Officers of Provincial Grand Lodges are entitled to wear Jewels
of the same description as those worn by the corresponding Office-
Bearers of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Master's Collar, fn)m which his Jewel is ssspeDded, is of
gold, of the depth of one inch and 2-lOths, and consists of sixteen
Thistles, between each of which are the letters "G. L." in double
cypher, interlaced. The Thistles enamelled in their proper colonrs.
The Collars, from which the Jewels of the other Grand Officers and
Proyincial Grand Officers are suspended, are of Thistle Green Ribbon.
The Office-Bearers of the Grand Lodge wear over the right shoulder,
and under the left arm. Cordons or Sashes of Thistle Green Ribbon, not
exceeding four inches broad.
The Apron of the Grand Master is trimmed with two-inch Gold
Lace (Acorn Pattern), and has embroidered in Gold, on the fall, which
is semicircular and of Green Satin, — the Compasses and Square, — the
Sun in splendour, — the Moon and Seven Stars, &c. — within a Wreath
of Thistles.
The Aprons of the other Grand Officers are all trimmed with green,
and have green falls, on which are embroidered in Gold the Emblems of
their respective Offices, encircled by Garlands of Thistles, Acacia,
Palm, &c.
The Badge of Honorary Members of the Grand Lodge of Scotland is
worn as a Medal on the breast ; bat neither the Apron nor Cordon of
the Grand Lodge is conferred on them — their decoration being the dis-
tinctive Badge provided for them.
Representative Members to Sister Grand Lodges wear Clothing (viz.
—Apron, Cordon, and Ribbon, with Badge), similar to the Clothing of
Grand Officers.
The Two large Vases. — The one for Oil, and the other for Wine, are
of Silver, having the Arms of the Grand Lodge beautifolly chased
thereon, the top surmounted by a St Andrew on the Cross.
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THE HISTORY OF FBEB MASONRY.
The Jewels of Subordinate Lodges are generally of silver, and are
as under : —
Master,
Pott Master,
DepuU Master,
SuhstUtOe Master,
Senior Warden,
Junior Warden,
Treasurer^
Secretary,
Chaplain,
Deacons,
Architect, .
Jeweller,
Bible-Bearer,
Inner Guard,
Tyler,
The Compasses and Square, Segment
of Circle, and Sun.
The Compasses, Square and Segment.
The Compasses and Square.
The Square,
The Level.
The Plumb.
The Key.
Cross Pena
Eradiated Eye in a Triangle.
The Mallet and Trowel.
Corinthian Column on Segment of 90^
Goldsmith's Hammer.
The Bible.
Cross Sworda
The Sword.
The Grand Lodge, with a view to uniformity, recommend for adop-
tion the following patterns of Aprons : —
Apprentice* — A plain white lambskin, (with semicircular fall or flap)
16 inches wide, and 14 inches- deep; square at bottom, and without
ornament — ^white strings.
FelloW'Crafi, — Same as above, with the addition of two Rosettes, of
the colour worn by the Lodge, at the bottom.
Master J/ioMon.-— Dimensions as above, edged with the colour of the
Lodge, and an additional Rosette on the fall or flap.
Masters and Fast-Masters of Svhordinate Lodges, — ^In place of each
of the Rosettes on the Master Mason's Apron, a horizontal line, two
and a half inches long, with a perpendicular line from the centre, one
inch high, thereby forming two right angles, in imitation of a rude leveL
These Emblems to be of Ribbon, half an inch broad, of the colour of
the Lodge of which the wearer is the Master or Past Master.
The Office-Bearers of Subordinate Lodges may wear Sashes of the
colour adopted by the Lodge, not exceeding four inches broad, and in
front may have embroidered, or otherwise distinctly marked thereon,
the name or number of the Lodge.
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APPENDIX XXIV.
505
APPENDIX XXIV.
ALPHABETICAL TABLE OF GRAND 0FFICE-BEAREK8 IN THE GRAND LODGE
OP SCOTLAND, FROM THE FIRST ELECTION ON ST ANDREW'S DAY 1736
TO ST Andrew's day 1858, inclusive.
(Referred to at page 100, tupra,)
[The Dames of the present Grand Office-Bearers are in Italics. Those who
haye died in Office are distinguished by an Asterisk.]
Name, &o.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Aberdour, Sholto Charles, Lord ...
Abojoe, George, Earl of
Alison, Andrew
Alison, James
Alison, Robert, Writer, Edinburgh...
Allan, Thomas, Merchant and Dean
of Guild
Alston, Charles, M.D
Ancram, William, Earl of
Anderson, David, of St Germains ...
Anderson, Samuel, W.S
Anderson, William
Argjle, George William, Duke of...
A mot, Reverend David, D,D
Athole, John, 3d Dakeof
Athole, John, 4th Duke of
Athole, George Augustus Frederick
John, 6th Duke of, K.T.
(See also Glenlyon, Lord.)
G. Master
D. G. M.
G. Master
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M.
G. Clerk
G. Clerk
J. G. W.
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Dir. Cer.
D. G. M.
G. Master
Int. G. Chaplain
G. Chaplain
G. Master
G. Master
G. Master
1755, 1756
1801
1802, 1803
1763, 1764
1767-1771
1752-1758
1736-1752
1744
1737
1792, 1793
1794,1795
1831
1832
1818
1819
1842-1846
1820, 1821
1822,1823
Feb. 4,* 1850
1850-1858
1773
1778, 1779
1846-1858
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THE HI8T0RY OP FREE MASONRY.
Name, &e.
Baillie, Sir Wm., of LammiDgton
Baillie, William
Baillie, William, Yr. of Polkemmet
Baird, Sir David, of Newbyth, Bart.
Baird, Sir James G., Bart.,
Balcarres, Alexander, Earl of
Balfoar, Andrew
Ballingall, Sir George, M.D.,
(Professor of Military Surgery, Edinr.)
Barclay, William
Bartram, James*
Beam, George*
Belshes, Gen. J. Murray, Invermay
Binning, Lord
Blair, David Anderson, of Inchyra
Blair, James Hunter
Blair, James, of Glenfoot
Bolt, David*
Boswell, Dr John
Boswell, James (the Biographer of
Johnson)
Boyd, James, Lord
Boyle, Rev, John, B.C.L
Braidwood, John*
Brown, John, Merchant,
Bryce, David
Bryce, William M
Buchan, David, Earl of
Buchan, Henry David, Earl of
(See also Cardross, Henry David, Lord.)
Buchan, Henry David, 12th Earl of
Buchanan, George*
Budge, William, W. S.,
Burn, William
Butter, Archibald, of Fascally
Office Held.
Year of Election.
S. G. W.
1736
J. G. W.
1769, 1770
J, G. D.
1842
S. G. D.
1843
J. G. W.
1844
S. G. W.
1845
J. G. W.
1832
S. G. W,
1833
Sub. G. M.
1841
S. G. W.
1810-1813
G. Master
1780, 1781
S. G. W.
1771,1772
J. G. D,
1836
J. G. W.
1837
J. G. W.
1771, 1772
D. G. M.
1773-1776
G. Clerk
1799-1837
G. Clerk
1758-1766
J. G. D.
1847
S. G. D.
1848
J. G. W.
1849
S. G. W.
1850
D. G. M.
1788, 1789
J. G. W.
1815
S. G. W.
1816
G. Treasurer
1779-1784
J. G. D.
1841
G. Clerk
1769-1779
S. G. W.
1753
S. G. W.
1773
D. G. M.
1776,1777
G. Master
1751
G. Chaplain
1844-1849
G. Tyler
1769-1779
J. G. W.
1745
Joint G. Archt.
1844-1850
G. Architect
18.)0-1858
G. Tyler
1847-1858
G. Master
] 782, 1783
G. Master
1745
D. G. M.
1830, 1831
G. Master
1832
G. Tyler
1807-1838
J. G. W.
1755, 1750
G. Architect
1827-1850
J. G. W.
1829
S. G. W.
1830
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APPEXDIX XXIY.
507
Name, &c.
Office Held.
Tear of Election.
Cairnie, Dr John
Campbell, Sir Donald, of Diufitaff-
nage, Bart.
Campbell, Walter F ., of lelay
Campbell, William
Cardross, Henry David, Lord ^
(See also Buchan, Heniy David, Earl of)
Cbarteris, Hon. Francis, of Amisfield
Charteris, Francis, Junior'
(See also Elcho, Francis, Lord.)
Clark, John
Clephan, Colonel William Douglas,
Clerk, John, Yr. of Eldin, Advocate
Cochran, Thomas*
Coghill, John
Colquhoun, James ^
Congleton, Wm., Junior, of that Ilk
Craig, Wm. Gibson, Yr. of Riccarton
Craigie, Charles Halkett
(See also loglis, C. C. Ilalkett.)
Crawford, Earl of
Cromarty, George, Earl of
Cunningham, Alexander
Cunningham, Alexander, *
Cunningham, William
Cunninghame, Dr Henry
Sab. G. M.
S. G. D.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
S. G. W.
S. G. W.
1771,1772
1836
1837
1822
1823
1790, 1791
1739
Dalbousie, George, 8th Earl of ...
Dalhoufiie, George, 9th Earl of
Dalkeith, Charles William, Earl of
(Afterwards Duke ot BuccleDch, &c.)
Dalrymple, Sir John Hamilton, of
Cousland, Bart. '
S. G. W.
1746
G. Master
1747
D. G. M.
1781
G. Master
1786
S. G. W.
1796, 1797
Sub. G. M.
1798-1805
J. G. W.
1791
S. G. W.
1792, 1793
S. G. W.
1807-1810
Assist. G. Tyler
Feb. 2, 1756
G. Tyler
Chief Marahal
1761-1768
1857-18.58
J. G. W.
1741
S. G. W.
1737
J. G. W.
1823
S. G. W.
1824
J. G. D.
1840
J. G. W.
1841
D. G. M.
1796, 1797
G. Master
1737
J. G. W.
1754
G. Jeweller
1801-1812
G. Jeweller
1813-1844
S. G. W.
1755, 1756
G. Master
1767, 1768
D. G. M.
1802-1804
G. Master
1804,1805
G. Master
1800,1801
J. G. W.
1812
S. G. W.
1813
^ Succeeded to the Earldom of Bochan in October 1745.
" Succeeded in 1787, as 6th Earl of Wemyss.
' His father having succeeded in 1787, as 6th Earl of Wemyss, Mr Charteris
assumed the courtesy title of Lord Elcho, and as such was elected Grand
Master on the 30th November 1787. Ue succeeded to the Earldom of
Wemyss in 1808.
* Late Lord Provost of Edinburgh. ^ Succeeded as Earl of Stair, March 1840^
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508
THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Name, &c.
Offioe Held.
Year of Election.
Dalrjmple, David
Dalzell, Robert
Deueluir, JokUy of Momingside
DetickaTy Patrick, Captain, E,N. ...
Dewar, James, of Vogrie
Dick, John
Dickson, Sir Robert, of Carberry, Bt.
DoDaldson, William *
Douglas and Clydesdale, William
Alexander Anthony Archibald,
Marquess of (Duke of Hamilton).
Douglas, John, Surgeon, Edinburgh
Do uglas. Sir Charles, Bart
Doune, Francis, Lord
Drummond, George, ^
Drummond, George Home, of Braco
Drummond, Honourable W. H
( Vide Strathallan, Master of.)
Drummond, Sir James W., of Haw-
thornden, Bart.
Drybrough, Thomas,
Duff, Major-General Hon. Alexander,
Duff, Richard Wharton, of Ortown
Dumfries, Patrick, Earl of
D uncan, Robert, Viscount
Dundas, Saunders, Robert
(F«fe Saunders.)
Dundas, Sir David, of Dunira, Bart.
Eglinton, Alexander, Earl of
Elcho, Francis, Lord
(See also Charteris, Francis, Junior.)
Elcho, Francis, Lord
Elgin and Kincardine, Chas., Earl of
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
S. G. W.
G. Bible-Bearer
G. Dir. Cer.
J. G. W.
G. Sword Bearer
S. G. W.
Clothier, &c.
G. Master
Sub. G. M.
Ditto
J. G. W.
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
J. G. W.
G. Master
J. G. D.
J. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
G. Master
D. G. M.
G. Master
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Master
G. Master
D. G. M.
G. Master
G. Master
1752
1754
1774, 1775
1780,1781
1847-1858
1849-1858
1804, 1805
1843, 1844
1742
1843-1858
1833, 1834
July 13, 1737
1740-1752
1800, 1801
1792,1793
1794,1795
1796, 1797
1738
1752
1856
18.50
1851
1852
1857-1858
1814
1815
1810,1811
1771,1772
1810,1811
1812,1813
1842
1843
1750
1787
1826
1827-1830
1761, 1762
^ Commissioner of Excise in North Britain, and Lord Provost of Edinburgh
in 1752.
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APPENDIX XXIV.
509
Name, &c.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Elpbinetone, Alexander
S. G. W.
1767, 1768
Errol, George, Earl of
D. G. M.
1790, 1791
Errol, William, 15th Earl of
D. G. M.
1804
Erskine, Honourable Henry
J. G. W.
1773
Erskine, Thomas, Lord
G. Master
1749
Erskine, Sir William
D. G. M.
G. Treasurer
1769, 1770
Ewart, James
1755-1757
F ARQUHARSON, William
J. G. W.
1780, 1781
Ferguson, Alexander
S. G. W.
1782, 1783
Ferguson, Robert, Yr. of Raitb, M.P.
J. G. W.
1806
Fife, James, Earl of
G. Master
1814,1815
Fincastle, Alex. Edward, Viscount
D. G. M.
1834
G. Master
1835
FitzClarence, Lord Fred., G.C.H.
D. G. M.
1840
G. Master
1841, 1842
Fletcher, Andrew, of Salton
J. G. W.
1827
S. G. W.
1828
Fletcher, Miles A ., Advocate
J. G. W.
1821
S. G. W.
1822
Forbes, Captain A., of Pittencrieff...
S. G. W.
1740
Forbes, Honourable James, Master of
G. Master
1754
Forbes, Sir William, of Pitsligo, Bt.,
J. G. W.
1765-1769
G. Master
1776, 1777
Forbes, Sir Wm., J. Hunter, & Co.,
G. Treasurers
1830-1845
Forrest, Rt. Hon. Sir James, of Comis-
ton, Bt, Lord Provost of Edinr....
G. Master
1838, 1839
Foulis, Sir James
S. G. W.
1794. 1795
Fraser, George
Sub. G. M
1752-1755
D. G. M.
1755-1761
Fraser. Simon
S. G, W.
1776, 1777
1757,1758
Galloway, Alexander, Earl of
G. Master
Oeddes. James
S. G. W.
1774 1775
George IV
Patron
1820-1830
Gilfillan, Robert*
G. Bard.
1836-1850
Glenljon, George Augustus F.
D. G. M.
1841,1842
John, Lord
G. Master
1843-1846
(See also Aikale, Duke of.)
Glenorchy, John, Viscount (now
D. G. M.
1822, 1823
Marquess of Breadalbane)...
G. Master
1824. 1825
Gordon, Hon. Alexander
J. G. W.
^ \^ mm Ay M X^mmM^
1761, 1762
D. G. M.
1765, 1766
Gordon, Charles Hamilton
D. G. M.
1752
G. Master
1753
Gordon, Sir Charles
J . G. D.
1838, 1839
Gordon, George
S. G. W.
1784, 1785
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510
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Name, &c.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
J. G. W.
1802, 1803
S. G. D.
] 838-1841
J. G. W.
1855
S. G. W.
1856
G. Secretary
1797-1812
D. G. M.
1780
G. Master
1784, 1785
D. G. M.
1819
G. Master
1820, 1821
J. G. D.
1837
S. G. W.
1842
Int. G. Tyler
1788
J. G. W.
1817
S. G. W.
1818
J. G. W.
1746
S. G. W.
1749
G. Treasurer
1784-1830
J. G. W.
1816
S. G. W.
1817
Sub. G. M.
1828-1838
G, Treasurer
184.5-1858
J. G. W.
1782, 1783
Sub. G. M.
1784-1798
J. G. W.
1751
G. Tyler
1779-1788
J. G. W.
1786, 1787
J. G. W.
1736
S. G. D.
1841
J. G. W.
1794, 1795
G. Treasurer.
1757-1779
G. Sword-Bearer
1857,1858
G. Master
1792,1793
Jun. G. Tyler
1810
Sub. G. M.
1851
S. G. D.
1855
J. G. W.
1856
S. G. W.
1857. 1858
Sub. G. M.
1805-1828
Gordon, James Farquhar, W.S
Graham, James, of Leitcbtown
Grant, John, of Kilgraston
Guthrie, William
Haddo, Rt. Hon. George, Lord
Hamilton and Brandon, Alexander,
Duke of
Hamilton, James, of Bangour, &c....
Hamilton, Robert
Hamilton, Sir Wm., of Preston, Bt.
(Professor of Logic, Edinburgh.)
Hay, Andrew, (Carracher)
Hay, John, of Hayston, &c., *
Hay, John, Yr., of Hayston, &c. *...
Hay^Sati/md
Hay, Thomas
Henderson, John, of Leiston
Henry, William
Home, James, W.S
Hope, Sir Alexander, of Kerse
Horsman, Rt. Hon. Edward, M.P....
Houston, Andrew, of Jordaohill
Hunter, James
(See also Blair.)
Hunter, Lt.-CoL James
Huntly, George, Marquess of
Hutchison, David
Inglis, C. C. Halkett, of Cramond
(See also Craigie, Charles Halkett.)
Inglis, Henry, W.S.
Inglis, Wm., of Middleton, W.S., .
^ Succeeded to the Baronetcy, and elected Grand Treasurer as Sir John Hay,
30th November 1810. See also page 209, supra.
* Succeeded to the Baronetcy, and elected Substitute Grand Master as Sir
John Hay, 30th November 1830.
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APPENDIX XXIV.
511
Name, &c.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Jameson, R. W., W.S
Jocel jn, Hon. A ugustus G. F
Keir, Patrick, of Kindrogan
Kellie, John, Earl of
Kennedy, David, Advocate
Kerr, Lord Robert
G. Bard
Sub. G. M.
S. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Master
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. D.
S. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M.
D. G. M.
D. G. M.
G. Master
D. G. M.
G. Master
G. Master
G. Bible-Bearer
J. G. D.
S. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M.
Joint G. Sec.
G. Secretary
G. Secretary
G. Chaplain
G. Bible-Bearer
G. Master
G. Master
S. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G, W.
1851
1846
1852
1853
1854
1763, 1764
1740
1767, 1768
Kilmarnock, William, Earl of
Kinloch, Sir David, of Gilmerton, Bt.
Kinloch, Col. John, of Kilrie, K.S.P.
Kinnaird, Charles, Lord
1742
1828
1829
1844
1845
1846
1847
1848, 1849
1812-1814
Kinnaird, Geo. Wm. Fox, Lord
Kinnoul, Thomas Robert, Earl of...
Kin tore. John. Earl of.
1829
1830, 1831
1824, 1825
1826
1738
Laino, William
1818
Lander, Sir John Dick, of Fountain-
hall, Bart
1848
1849
Lauder, Sir Thomas Dick, of Foun-
tainhall, Bart
1850
1851
1834
1835
Laurie. Alexander ^ *
1838, 1839
1810, 1811
Laurie, Wm, Alexander, W.S,'
Lee, Rev. John, D.D., (Principal of
the University of Edinburgh)
Leon, Morris
1812-1831
1831-1858
1810-1825
1846
Leven and Melville, Alex., Earl of
Leven and Melville, David, Earl of
Lind. Dr James
1741
1759, 1760
1769. 1770
Lindesay, Patrick
1738
Lindsay, Patrick
1753
^ Was Assistant Grand Secretary from Au^st 3, 1801.
' Was Assistant Grand Secretary from November 30, 1826.
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zed by Google
512
THE HISTORY OF FREE MAISONRY.
Name, &c.
Little, William Charles
Lorimer, John
Loughboi'ough, Bight Hon, Lord ...
Lumsden, John
M*AuLAY, Archibald*
M*Clure, John ,
M'C<yu}an, F, D., M,D
M'Dougall, Alexander
IVrDougall, John, Clk. of Exchequer
M'Ghie, William
M^Killop, William
Macdonald, Reginald, of StafTa'
Mack, Charles, late Deacon of the
Masons in Edinburgh
Mackay, Charles
Mackenzie, Alexander *
Mackenzie, Sir Geo. Stewart, of Coul,
Bart
Mackenzie, Sir John M., of Delvine,
Bart
Mackenzie, William F., of Portmore
Mackie, Jamos
Maconochie, James A., Advocate . . .
Maitland,(Sir)A.C.Gibson,of Clifton-
hall, (Bart)
Maitland, John, of Eccles
Maitland, John'
Malcolm, David
Mann, WUliam
Mansfield, James, of Midmar
Marjoribanks, Sir John, of Lees,
Bart., M.P
Mason, William
Maule, Hon. W. Ramsay, of Panmure,
M.P. (afterwards Lord Panmure)
1 Late Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
> Afterwards Sir Reginald Macdonald Stewart Seton, Bart.
> Was Assistant Grand Clerk from November 30, 1821. Resigned on remov-
ing to London in 1846.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Sub. G. M.
1782, 1783
G. Bible-Bearer
1834-1845
S. G. D.
1853
J. G. W.
1854
Sub. G. M.
1855-1858
S. G. W.
1754
J. G. W.
1739
G. Chaplain
1759-1787
S. G. D.
1857,1858
G. Secretary
1754-1774
G. Secretary
1736-1754
J. G. W.
1757, 1758
J. G. W.
1784, 1785
J. G. W.
1833
S. G. W.
1834
J. G. W.
1749
S. G. W.
1750
G. Jeweller
1844-1858
G. D. of Music
1853-1857
S. G. W.
1802,1803
J. G. W.
1838, 1839
J. G. W.
1835
S. G. W.
1836
G. Tyler
1846
J. G. W.
1820
S. G. W.
1821
J. G. W.
1798, 1799
J. G. W.
1813
S. G. W.
1814
G. Clerk.
• 1837-1846
G. Tyler
1768
Clothier, &c.
1868
S. G. W.
1806
D. G. M.
1815
G. Master
1816, 1817
G. Secretary
1774-1795
S. G. W.
1804, 1805
Dep. G. M.
1806, 1807
G. Master
1808, 1809
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APPENDIX XXIV.-
513
Name, Ike,
Maxwell, David
Meggei, Archibald
Meikle, Robert
Melville, John Whyte, of Beunocliy
and StratLkinness
Menzies, Alexaoder*
Meuzies, Sir Robt.^ of that Ilk, Bart.
Miller, Robert
Miller, Sir William of Glenlee, Bart.
Milne, Admiral Sir David, K.C.B....
Mitchell, Sir Andrew, of Westshore
Moffat, John>
Moir, Robert
Moira, Francis, Earl of,» K.G., G. C. B.
Office Held.
J. G. W.
G. Clerk
G. Clerk
G. Secretary
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M.
D. G. M.
G. Marshal
J. G. D.
J. G, W.
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M,
G. Tyler
J. G. D.
S. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Sub. G. M.
S. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Marshal
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
Year of Election.
1776, 1777
1766-1769
1780-1795
1795-1797
1840
1841
1842-1846
1846-1858
1838-1857
1851
1852
1853
1854
1741-1764
1846
1847
1848
1849
1850
1838, 1839
1741
1834-1838
1796, 1797
1805
1806, 1807
^ Prior to the Grand Election on 1st December 1834, the office of Grand
Marshal appears to have been filled hy nomination only. Thus, on 18th
November 1814, we find that ** Brother David Wilkie resigns the office of Mar-
shal, which he had filled at processions for several years past ;'* and, of the same
date, Brother John Moffat is appointed thereto, and seems to have held the ap-
pointment until his election, as above. On important public occasions he was
assisted by a Brotiicr of the name of Hogg, — the Grand Maishals at the
laying of the Foundation Stone of the New Jail, on the 19th September 1815,
being Brothers Moffat and Uogg.
" In 1809, The Earl of Moira, Past Grand Master, consecrated the first Free
^asons' Hall in Scotland, as detailed on pp. 180-182, supra. The Dedication of
this Temple to Masonry by so distinguished and enlightened a Craftsman, may be
said to have closed the brilliant Masonic career of his Lordship in Scotland ;
and it was with unfeigned regret that the Scottish Craft beheld the departure
from among them of this highly esteemed Brother, — who, besides bis other dis-
tinctions, had enjoyed the rare felicity of being Acting Grand Master of the
Grand Lodges both of England and Scotland during the same period. Shortly
afterwards he was appointed, under the titleof Marquess of Hastings, Governor-
General and Commander-^in-Chicf in India, a sphere well suited to his talents
both OS a statesman and a soldier, and where, from his mild and beuignaut
34
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514
THB HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Name, &c.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Moncreiff, Sir David, Bart
Moncrieff, Dr John
MoDcrieff, Rev. Sir H. W
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Treasurer
G. D. of Music
G. Master
G. Master
G. Master
G. D. of Music
G.Sword-Bearer
D. G. M.
J. G. W.
J. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. D.
G. Treasurer
D. G. M.
G. Master
1826
1827
1730
(Firfc WeUwood.)
Montignani, W. R
Moray, James, Earl of
Morton, George, Earl of.
Morton, James, Earl of, K.T
Mailer, Charles William M,
1845-1853
1744
1790, 1791
1739
1858
Murray, Andrew
Murray, Hon. Colonel James
Murray, James Wolfe
Murray, James Wolfe, of Cringletie
Murray, John, of Broughton
Murray, Col. Lord James C. P
Mylne, Thomas, Architect ^
Napier, Hon. Col. William, after-
wards Lord Napier
Napier, Francis, Lord
1848-1857
1778,1779
1788, 1789
1854
1743
1851
1737-1755
1771, 1772
1788, 1789
sway, he became the idol of all classes in that vast portion of the British
Empire.
1 •* Tho : Mylno,** of Powder Hall, near Edinburgh, was the son of Wil-
liam Mylne of Leith, Architect, and grandson of Robert Mylne of Balfarge,
King's Master Mason, and builder of liolyrood Palace in 1671. Thomas died
in 1763, and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in the Grey friars' Church-
yard, Edinburgh, on the south side of the eastern entrance gate. The spot is
marked by a still handsome monument, erected in 1667 to the memory of John
Mylne, King's Master Mason, and uncle of the above named Robert. The
Monument records that John was the sixth of the family holding the Office of
Master Mason, — the first, it is believed, was appointed by King James tho Third
about 1481. I'ho : Mylne was frequently Deacon of the Masons of Edinburgh,
and R.W.M. of the Lodge of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, and was Treasurer of
the Grand Lodge from 30th November 1737 to Ist December 1755. His Portrait,
by ^ Gnl : Mosman, 1752," is in the possession of his grandson and represen-
tative, William C. Mylne of London, Architect and Civil Engineer ; a copy of
which was presented last year to the Grand Lodge of Scotland by his son,
Robert W. Mylne, reduced from the original by Hannah Mylne, his wife.
Thomas had two sons, both of whom he educated to his own profession ; his
eldest son Robert, who settled in London, is well known as an eminent Archi-
tect and Engineer ; among his numerous works he erected Blackfriars' Bridge,
over the river Thames, and Hexham Bridge in Northumberland ; the second
son, William, practised in Edinburgh, and built the North Bridge, and subse-
quently was engaged in Dublin, where he died without is
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APPENDIX XXIT.
515
Name, &o.
Nasmytb, Sir John Marraj, of Posso,
Bart
Neagle, George
NeilsoDy Samuel
N isbet, William, of Dirleton
None, James
Ogtltib, Captain James
Ogilvy, Sir John,of Inverquharity, Bt.
Ougfaton, Maj-Gen. James Adolphns
Paterson, Archibald
Peacock, Alexander *
Petrie, William*
Prince Regent, H.R.H., The
(See also George IV.)
Ramage, William
Ramsaj, George, yr. of Bamton . . .
Ramsay, Hon. Major John
Ramsay, John
Rftmsay, James Andrew, Lord*
Rannie, James
Rashleigh, William, of the Haining
Reid, William*
Reid, William
Robertson, James
Robertson, Major John, of Earnock
Ross, David
Ross, Donald*
Rosslyny James, Earl of
Rothes, George William Evelyn
Leslie, Earl of*
Office Held.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Joint G. Tyler
S. G. W.
S. G W.
G. Master
J. G. W.
J. G. W.
S. G. D.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Master
G. Bible-Bearer
G. Bible-Bearer
Joint G. Tyler
Assist. G.Tyler
Patron and Hon,
Grand Master
Assist. G. Tyler
D. G. M.
J. G. W.
J. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
Sub. G. M.
J. G. D.
S. G. D.
G. Tyler
G. Sword Bearer
G. D. of Cere, i
S. G. W. j
S. G. W. I
Assist. G.Tyler]
G. Tyler j
D. G. M. I
G. Master
I
D, G. M.
G. Master
Year of Election.
1830
1831
1818-1824
1747
1743
1746
1748
1750
1842
1843
1844
1769, 1770
1819-1834
1813-1818
1811 .]818
1838-1845
1811-1820
1845
J 798, 1799
1807-1810
11778,779
1835
1836, 1837
1774,1775
1855
1856
1789-1810
1845-1848
1846-1849
1744
1757-1758
1829-1838
1838-1855
1808, 1809
1810,1811
1838, 1839
1840
1 Governor-General of India from 1847 to 1855. Created Marquis of Dal-
housie in 1849, receiving at the same time the thanks of Parliament and of the
East India Company for his zeal and ability in administering the resources of
British India in the contest with the Seikhs immediately previous to the
annexation of the Punjaub.
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516
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Name, &c.
St Clair, William, of Rosslyn
SandilaDds, Hon. Robert
(See TorphiohoD, Master oO
Saanders, Robert Dundas
Scott, Sir John, of Ancrum, Bart. ...
Settt, Captain John, of Malleny ...
Seton, Hugh, of Touch
Seton, Major James
Sinclair, Alexander*
Sinclair, Sir John, of Stevenson, Bart
Sinclair, John^ Writer, Ediubargh...
Smith, William
Sommers, Thomas
Spens, Dr Nathaniel
Stewart, Rev. Alexander, of Douglas
Stewart, Alexander James, W,S, ...
Stewart, George
Stewart, James, Court of Exchequer
Stewart; Right Hon. James, Lord
Provost of Edinburgh
Stewart, John Shaw, Advocate
Stewart, J., Younfjer, of Allanbank
Stewart, Walter, Advocate
Stewart, Wm. M., of Glenormiston
Stirling, Right Hon. Sir James, Bart.,
Lord Provost of Edinburgh,
Stormout, William David, Viscount
Strathallan, Hon. William Henry
Drummond, Master of
Strathmore, Thomas, Earl of
Swinburne, Major-General T, R, ...
Tait, Alexander, Merchant, Edinr.
Thin, William*
Thriepland, Sir Patrick Murray, of
Fingask, Bart
Tinsley, John *
Tod, Richard
Office Held.
Year of Ek ction.
G. Master
1736
D. G. M.
1800
J. G. W.
1742
J. G. W.
1790
G. Master
1748
J. G. W.
1759, 1760
G. Tyler
1736-1741
S. G. W.
1786, 1787
J. G. W.
1747
S. G. W.
1748
J. G. W.
1774, 1775
G. Clerk
1795-1799
Sub. G. M.
1776-1782
D. G. M.
1782-1786
G. Chaplain
1834-1850
G. Clerk
1856-1858
S. G. W.
1778,1779
S. G. W.
1751
D. G. M.
1761, 1762
G. Master
1765, 1766
J. G. W.
1824
S. G. W.
1825
S. G. W.
1788, 1789
S. G. W.
1759, 1760
S. G. D.
1837
S. G. W.
1840
G. Master
1798,1799
D. G. M.
1836, 1837
J. G. D.
1843
S. G. D.
1844
J. G. W.
1845
S. G. W,
1846
Sub. G. M.
1847
G. Master
1740
J. G. W.
1857, 1858
S. G. W.
1745
G. Architect
1823-1827
J. G. D.
1845
S. G. D.
1846
J. G. W.
1847
S. G. W.
1848
G. Marshal
1838-1853
Sub. G. M.
1755-1767
Do.
1773
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APPENDIX XXIV.
517
Name, Ac.
Office Held.
Year of Election.
Torphichen, James, 9th Lord
D. G. M.
Sub. G. M.
G. Chaplain
S. G. W.
D. G. M.
G. Master
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
Patron and Hon.
Grand Master
J. G. W.
J. G. W.
S. G. W.
G. Marshal
J. G. W.
J. G. D.
S. G. D. ,
O. Chaplain
G. Master
S. G. W.
J. G. D.
S. G. D.
S. G. W.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
Patron
S. G. W.
D. G. M.
Do.
G. Clerk
G. Chaplain
D. 6. M.
1786. 1787
Torphichen, Hon. Robert San di lands.
Master of.
1840
Toueh, Rev. John, D.D
Trotter, J., of Mortonhall *
Tweeddale, George, 8th Marquis of
Verb, James Joseph Hope, of Craigie-
hall
1787-1805
1798-1802
1816,1817
1818,1819
1819
1820
Wales, H.R.H. George, Prince of
{See also Regent, 1I.R.I1. The Prince.)
Walker, Sir Patrick, of Coates
Warrender, John
1805-1811
1836
1825
Walters, James
1820
1853-1858
Wauchope, John, of Edmonstone ...
Wedderbum, Fred. L. S., of that Ilk
Wellwood, Rev. Sir Henry Mon-
crieff, Bart
1852
1849
1850
1805-1809
Wemyss, James, Earl of
1743
Wemyss, Captain John
Wemyss, J. H. Erskine, of Wemyss
•
Whitefoord, Sir John
Wight, Alexander, Adrocate
William IV
1761,1762
1853
1854
1855
1765, 1766
1763, 1764
1830-1837
1752
Williamson, Joseph
Woodman, James Linning, C.S.* ...
Wright, Rev. James
1753
1763, 1764
1846-1856
17Rft
YoiiNO, Captain (Col.) John
1736-1752
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518 THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
APPENDIX XXV.
(Vide page 318, twpra.)
copy letter from his royal highness the prince frederick-
william of prussia to the most worshipful the grand master.
Most Worshipful Sir and Brother,
I have received with great satisfaction the Address and the Book
uf Constitutions of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Scotland, and
I feel much gratified for this rery acceptable mark of attention and
esteem with which your Grace and our Scotch Brethren have faroured
me. I regard it as an additional link in that chain of fraternal affectioa
which I am proud to see has existed between the two Grand Lodges
since the reign of Frederick the Great, who regularly estabh'shed
Masonry in this country, and obtained for that purpose a patent from
Edinburgh.
While I request the acceptance of my warmest thanks fur the
Book of Constitutions, I beg to assure you that I feel all those emotions
of gratitude which the fraternal wishes of your Address must inspire ;
and I sincerely pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may bless
your illustrious Grand Lodge, and protect and prosper all your Masonic
undertakings.
I had peculiar pleasure in explaining to the Princess your hearty
congratulations, and I request your Grace to convey to the Brethren of
Scotland our united thanks for your generous wishes.
Saluting you by the Sacred Numbers,
I am,
Your grateful and devoted Brother,
Frederick William.
To
His Grace The Dukb of Atholb,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of Scotland.
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INDEX.
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Google
INDEX.
AcTis and Statutis for tbe Government
ot the seTeral Airtis and Craft is in
Scotland, 1636, 445
Minutes accoptinp^ and approving
of the said Actis, 451
Addresses presented to —
His MiHioHty Georf^e IIT, I4», 15 )« 151, 162
The Prince Regent, IHS, IJX), 1»1
liU Majesty George lY, 1»1, IM, 206
William IV, 2HJ, 212
Uer Majesty the Queen, 222, 232, 23d, 249,
244. 316
His Royal Highness the Doke of Sussex, 218
l<ady Ilay of Uayston, 230
The Countess of Rothes, 239
His Royal Highness Prince Albert, 240, 241
The Right Honourable the Lady Frederick
Fitz-Clarence. 311 ; extract from her Lady-
ship's replv, 312
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and
Princess Frederick William of Prussia, 317
Aitchisoii's Haven, Excerpts from ibe
Minute-Book of the Lodge of, 445,
451
Alexander, Sir Anthony, 445, 452
Ilarie, 462
Alison, Sir Archibald, Installation of,
as Provincial Grand Master of Glas-
gow Province, 271
Alphabetical Table of Grand Office-
bearers from 1736 to 1858-9, 505
Alpina, fraternal communications esta-
blished with the Swiss Grand Lodge,
278
Annual Certificate granted to Daugh-
ter Lodges, form of, 484
Arnot, Rev. David, D.D., Grand Chap-
Jain, Sermon by, preached before the
Grand Lodt^e, 323
Arch. (See Royal Arch.)
Architects, Trading Association of, 27
Architecture, superiority of, 2
Ark Mariner Degree, 424
Arts, Edinburgh School of, 193
Ashmole, Elias, 52
Aytoun, Professor W. E., appointed
Representative from Grat:d Lodge of
Prussia, 313
B.\coiiANALiA, or Feast of tbe Bac- |
chanalp, institution of, 13 i
Baldovan, (near Dundee,) Foundation-
stone of an Asylum for Defective
Children, laid at, 300
Barruel, M., Opinions of, examined
and refuted, 4, 23, 29, 33, 35, 71
Bart ram, James, 177, 223
Benefit Societies connected wit h Lodges,
Report thereon, 250
Benevolence, Fund of Scottish Ma-
sonic —
Established, 257
Donations to, 2fi0
Masonic BaUs in aid of, S80
Petitions to the, forms of, 489, 501
« Blue Blanket," The, an accooni of,
334 '
Bolt, David, Grand Clerk, 136
Bredeiiberg, Adolf Gustav, appointed
Representative to the Grand Lodge
of Sweden, 299
Brunton, Rev. (Dr) John, preaches
before the Grand Lodge, 176
Buchanan, George, Grand Tyler, 229
Bnmes, Sir Alexander, C.B., 243
James, K.H., Memoir of, 396
Bums' Monument, Edinburgh, 212
Campbell, William, President of Grand
Stewards, 273
Carada, Declaration of Independence
by Grand Lodge of, laid before Grand
Lodge of Scotland, and procedure
thereupon, 314
Representation regarding, and De-
liverance thereon by Grand
Lodge. (See A ddenda page.)
Canongate Sessional School, Founda-
tion-stone of, laid, 272
Canterbury, Lodge held at, in 1429, 48
Chair or Past Master Degree, 424
Charity Funds, donations to, 104, et
passim.
Cliarles 11^ a Member of the Craft, 65
Charters —
By tlie Masons of Scotland to William St
ClnirofRoflUn,435
By the Mnsons of Kcotiand to Bir William St
Clair, 437
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522
THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
Charters, amttnued —
Of Constltuti<ni and Erection of a Daughter
Lodge. 466
Of transmiBsion of the Order of the Temple,
453
Granted to Daughter Lodges, 106, etpattim.
Feee on, reduced, 270
Chevalier Magon Kcossais, degree of, 67
Chivalry, the Order of, 41
Circular. {See Scotlaud, Grand Lodge
of.)
Claude, P., appointed Representative
to Grand Orient of France, 312
Clothing and Jewels of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, description of
the, 502
Coipland, Patrick, of Udaucht, 51
Grant of Wardanrie to, 421
Commissions, forms of, 486, 487, 492,
493
Committee (Grand), List of, appointed
for 1859-60, 350
Consecration, Ceremonial of, 469
of the Lodge —
Canongate and Leith, Leith and Canongate,
116
Dalkeith Kilwinning. 120
Holyroodhouso, Edinburgh, 117
Journeymen, Edinburgh, 140
Leith Kilwinning, 120
Pythagoras, Bo'nese, 117
Royal Aroh, Edinburgh. 121
6t Andrew, Drybridge, $16
Bt Andrew, Edinburgh, 117
8t Andrew, Jedburgh, 148
St Clair, Edinburgh, 271
St John, Airdrie. 183
Bt John. Crofthead, 315
St Regulua, Cupar, 117
Trafalgar. Leith, 175
{See also Free Maaona' HalL)
Convention between the Grand Lodges
of England and Berlin, 69
Dahlbn, Carl Von, appointed Repre-
sentative to Grand Lodge of Prussia,
313
Dalbousie, Marquis of, 515
Dalkeith, Foundation-stone comnnemo-
rative of the renewal of the old
Parish Church of, laid, 291
Deputes orWardens, first appointment
of, 51
Deuchar, Major D., 271
Dionysian Artificers, 13, 14. 16
■ I Mysteries, institution of,8; their
progress from Europe to Asia, 14
Douglas, Peter, 187
Druids, The, 22
Dundee, Foundation-stone of the Har-
bour of, laid, 213
Dunmore, Earl of, 257
Egyptians, Colony; of, in Greece, 7
Eleusinian Mysteries, institution of, 8
England, The Grand Lodge of— I
Instituted, 00 {
rioeer union of, with the fJrand Lodge of ,
Scotland, 168 I
England, Grand Lodge of, conUnued. —
Resolutions from, oommiinicatod to Grand
Lodge of Scotland, IW
Unites with the Grand Lodge of Rngland
(old Constitution) under title of ^Tho
United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of England,' 166
Representatives to, appointed, 285, 8B0
Essenes, The, 18, 19
Fees, Table Qf, exigible by the Grand
Lodge of Scotland, 468
Festivals changed fi om the day of St
John the Baptist to 8t Andrew's Day,
101
Forrest, Sir James, presentation to,
232
Free Masonry, —
Descriptive Outline of, 3
Definition of, 4U9
Opinions req>ecting its Origin, and Objeo-
tions thereto answered, 4-fiS
Its introduction into Scotland, 2S
Its position under the Roman See, 28, 43
Progress of in Britain, 46
Its coadition in England during the Civil
Wars. 56
Its condition in Franco, 58
Introduced into Bohentiia, 66
into Switzerland, 65
into Sweden, 6S
— Denmark, 68
Spread of in America, Upper and Lower
Saxony, Russia, Spain, Geneva, Hol-
land. 61, 71
— in Oennany, 61
in France, W
in Prussia, 09
Persecution of tn Holland, 61
in France, 62
— in Germany, 62
In Italy, 63
— in the Canton of Berne, 65
— in Scotland, by the Associate
Synod, 67
— in Portugal, 71
— in Naples, 71
Free Masons—
Their probable connection with the Temple
of Solomon, 16
Act of Parliament against, temp. Henry VI,
Privileges granted by James I of Scotland to
the Grand Master of the, 60
Instances of Benevolence by, 65, 104, 117,
118. 120
Charity Schools erected by, 70
Exemptions in Acts of Parliament of 179B and
1817, in favour of, 151, 189
Free Masons* Hall, Edinburgh : —
Motion regarding the erection of a, 170
Subscriptions to, 170, 177
Purchase of 8t Cecilia s Hall, for a, 177
Consecration of, 180
Grand Election of 1810, takes plaoe la,
184
Sale of, 256
Preliminary nrrangements for the pnrahaae
of a New Hall. 818
Hall Committee appointed, 318
Site in Ge-irge Street fixed upon and pur-
chased, 319
Ground broken, and excavations commenced,
3l9
Arrangements for laying Foundatlon-et'me
of, 3 9
Order of ProcMslon, 321
Sermon by the Grand Chaplain, 323
Address by the Acting Assistant Gran4
Chaplain, S:n
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INDEX.
523
Free Masons' Hall, continued —
Foundatlon-Btone laid, 333
Address of the Grand Master on the occasion,
333
Description of the Building, 335
Inscription Plate, 336
Banquet, and Speeches delircred thereat, in
celebration of^the event, 337
Ball in honour of the occasion, 344
Ceremonial observed at the Consecration of
the, 351
Foundation-stones : —
Proceedings at laying the Foundation-stone
of the
Royal Infirmary, Fast Wing, 1738, lOS
Koyal Infirmary, Wwt Wing, 1740, 104
Royal Exchange, Edinburgh, 1753, 108
Poor-house, Canongatc, Edinburgh, 1700,
117
North Bridge, Edinburgh, 1763, 118
Episcopal Chapel, Cowgate, Edinburgh,
Barbour, Ayr, 1772, 122
High School, Edinburgh, 1777, 127
South Bridge, Edinburgh, 1785, 137
Drawbridge, Lcith Harbour, 1788, 140
Edinburgh University, 17t)9. 141
Edinburgh Bridewell, Calton Hill, 1791,
Wet Docks, Leith, 1801, 164
Nelson Monument, Glasgow, 1806, 171
New Jail, Edinburgh, 1808, 176
Bastion, Leith, 1809, 177
Regent Bridge, Edinburgh, 1815, 186
New Jail, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, 1815,
186
Cramond Bridge, 1822, 103
National Monument of Scotland, Edin-
burgh, 1822, 1»5
Hi^ Bohool, Calton HiU, Edinburgh,
Western Approach, and George IT Bridge,
Edinburgh, 1827, kOS
County Buildings and Jail, Lanark, 1834,
214
Mariners* Church and School. North
Leith, 1839, 231
Scott Monument, Edinburgh, 1840, 232
Inauguration of, 250
Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, 1843, 342
Public Baths, Edinburgh, i844, 252
Caledonian Railway Staticm. Edinbonrh.
1847, 166 * *
Tictoria (Stockwell) Bridge, Glasgow,
1851, 281
Royal Infirmary, Dundee, 1852, r98
The New Masonic BaU, Edinburgh, 1868,
Regulations to be observed at
the laying of, 494
rder of Procession and Cere-
monial at the laying of a, 495
Funeral Lodge held in memory of~
Fitz-Clarence, Lord Frederick, G.C.H., 303
St Clair ,W ilUam , of R osslyn . 1 31
Sussex, His Royal Highness the Duke of, 244
Walker, Sir Patrick, of Coates, 2r3
Gavin, Dr Hector, 312
Gilfillan, Robert, Grand Bard, 228, 279
GiUon, William Downe, 271
Grand Chaplain to be a Member of
Grand Lodge, 117
Lodge. {See Scotland, Grand
Lodge of.)
Office-bearers of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland. (-S;?*' Alphabetical
Table of.)
Glasgow, Foandation-stone of a Lana-
tic Asylum at, laid, 184
Of a new approach to Glasgow
from London, 207
Of the Barony Parish Poors
House, 274
Hamburgh : —
Proposal from Grand Lodge of, for exchange
of Representatives, ffl9
RepresentaUve to, appointed, 299
Representative from, appointed, 209
Hay, Sir John, Grand Treasurer, 209
Sir John, Substitute Grand
Master, 229, 230
Henry VI, Manuscript of, 49
Hesse DarmsUdt, interchange of Re-
presentatives with the Urand Lodge
of, agreed to, 272
Illuminati, the Order of the, 71
Inglis, William, 177, 188, 209
installation, Ceremonial of, 473
Inveresk Church, Foundation-stone of,
laid, 167
Ireland, Grand Lodge of —
Instituted, 6l
Resolutions by, 345
Representative to, appointed, 280
RepreHentative from, appointed, 280
James III of Scotland, 51
Jocelyn, Hon. Augustus G. F., op-
pointed Representative to Grand
Lodge of Ireland, 280
Kasideans, the, 1 9. (See also Templars.)
Kilwinning, Lodges held at, 46, 47, 54,
Mother Lodge of —
Grants Charters, 51, 54
Letter fiwm to Grand Lodge, regarding its
place on the Roll, 108. {See alSl74.)
Differences between, and Grand Lodge of
Scotland, adjusted, 173 *
Representations from anent Intrant Fees,
222, 315
— ; Order of Heredom de, 93
Kinross, Foundation-stone of the Town
Hall and Market place of, laid, 240
Knights of St John, 78
Laubib, Alexander, 166, 177, 184, 211
Laurie, William Alexander, appointed
Representative from Grand Lodge
of Sweden, 299
Leckie, Rev. John, preaches before the
Grand Lodge, 281
Lee, Rev. John, D.D., 183 ; preaches
before the Grand Lodge, 190
Leith, Foundation-stone of High School
of, laid, 168
Lesmahagow Church, Foundation-stone
of, laid, 167
Liberalia, the, of Rome, 13
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524
THE HISTORY OP FREE MASONRY.
Lockhart, William, Vf.P., installed
Provincial Grand Master of Upper
Ward of Lanarkshire, 276
Lodges, (Subordinate,) Form of AflSr-
mation by, 483
Form of Certificate to be granted
by, to their Members, 485
specially referred to throngli-
out the volnme, viz. —
Aitohlson 8 Haven, {See Aitohiaon.)
Ancient, Stirling. 4*29
Dun tocher and Fsifley Union, 209
Hope, Kurracbeo, Scinde, 27i
Lodgo of Edinburgh Mary's Chapel, 52, et
passim.
Lodge of Gla^w St John, 274
Navigation, Troon, 217
Perseverance, Bombay, i^7l
" Post Nubila Lux," Amsterdam, 577
St Andrew, Boston, Massachusetts, li6, 312
Quebec, i:«)
St Cuthbert, Barnard Castle, Durham, 2:8
St Giles, Edinburgh, 1%
St John, Dunfermline, 274
Grey town. Mosquito, 303
Melrose, 260, 383
Woodhall, 3Di
St Michael, Dumfries, 146
St Nathalaa, Tu Uoh-in-Max, 289
Scoon and Perth, 176, 271
Union, Dunfermline, 212
(See also Notes on the P. evinces, &c.,
and Lodges thcsrein.)
. formerly existinir in Scotland.
(See Notes on the Provinces, &c., and
Lodges therein.)
formerly existing furth of Scot-
land, 408
APCowAN, DrF. D., appointed Repre-
sentative from Grand Orient of
France, 312
Macdongall, John, 126
Mackenzie, Sir Colin, 267
Mark Masonry ; —
Mark Masonry defined, 409
To whom communicated, 4^9
Classification of Workmen, 409, 410
Marks:— ^ .^
Description of the, and why and how used,
41U, 413
Where found. 411 . 4' 7, 4.3
(See also Examples on Plates following
page 424)
Their form, 411
Example of " Reading the Marks,^ 413
Internal economy of the Fraternity, 41i
(See also Operative Lodges, and Ofcra-
tive Masonic Fraternity.)
Mark Mason Degree, 229
I U place, and when granted ,422
Deliverance of the Grand Lodge upon, 346
Mary's Chapel, Quarterly Communica-
tions held in, 101
Masonic Marks, a curious and interest-
ing cast containing, exhibited in
Grand Lodge, 312
Templary, 84
Masonry, (Practical,) defined, 409
(Speculative,) defined, 409
ane narration of the Founding
of the Craft of, and by whom it hath
been cherished, 457
Masons, the Ancient and Modems^ dis-
pute between, 60
Melrose, Communication from parties
styling themselves * The Brethren of
St John's Lodge of Freemasons of,'
250
Military Lodges. {See Notes on the
Provinces, &c.)
Milne, Sir David, K.C.B., 257
Moffat, John, 229
Moira, the Earl of, 167-169, 513
Molay, Jacques de, immolated at Paris,
32
Mopses, The, 64
Morrison Library, Ac. : —
Communications in connection with the Pre-
sentation of the, '^74
Note regarding the Donor, 273
Open to Members of Grand Lodge and all
qimlified Masons, duly recommended, 3IS
Mouuier, M., 6
Murray, Lord James Charles Panta-
genet, elected Representative to
Grand Lodge of England, 299
Mylne, Thomas, 514
National Monumeht of Sootlasd :—
Resolutions by the Royal Association of Con-
tributors thereto, regarding laying the
Foundation-stone of , '93
Complimentary Letter from the Preses of the,
to the Most Worshipful the Grand Master,
£06 ^_
Netherlands, interchange of Represen-
tatives with the Grand Orient of the,
agreed to, and a Representative to,
appointed, 278
His Royal Highness the Prince
Frederic of the, 279
Letter from, 294
Notes on the Provinces, &C., and
Lodges therein, and Lodges Abroad,
with their dates of Charter and
colour of Clothing : —
Aberdeen (City), 880
(East), 35)1
(West). 304
A «,«rw / Canada, West or Upper, > ^^
America, \ Canada, East or Lower, /*"
Andalusia, Spain, 408
Arabia. 3»5 ^^
Argyll and The Isles, 3W
Australia Felix, or Victoria, 406
Ayr, 3K5
Bahamas, 403
Banff, 383
Bengal, 985
Bermudas, 403 ^„
Berwick and Roxburgh, 383
Bombay, 385
Caithness, 394
Dumbarton, 379
Dumfries, ."VO
East Lothian, 376 »^. * ^ 4 oi«
Edinburgh or Metropolitan District, aSS
Elgin and Moray, 387 .^ ^ .
Europe and Asia, parts of, bordering on the
Mediterranean Bea, 406
Flfo, 378
I Forfar and Angus, 3^ <
Franco, 408
Olasgow, 368
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INDEX.
525
t^oioa on the Provinces, &c., co»-
tinued —
Guayans in Venezuela, 4:6
Inverness, 873
Jamaica, 408
Lanark, (Middle Ward,) 374
------ (Upper Ward.) 38J
Linlithgow, 377
Militai-y Lodges, 407
JNew South Wales, 407
Mew Zealand, A, 8
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince
Edward Island, 4 (5
Orkney and Zetland, 388
Peebles and Selkirk, 384
Perthshire (Fast), 36*7
■ ^ (West), 375
lienftew (East), 3»2
^^(West),376
Ross and Cromarty, 392
South Australia, Adelaide, 4C0
Stirling, 385
West India Islands, 404
Wigton and Kirkcudbright, 389
Opkrative Lodges ih Scotland —
PrivilcKes of, 105
Method of setting out the Orientation of
Churches, as preserved in some of the, 414
Have apprentices bound to them, 416
hiduded other Crafts besides Masons, 415
General design of their Works, 4 5
Practise Speculative Masonry, 422
Operative Masonic Fraternity, His-
tory of, as established in its Tradi-
tions, 416
In its fiaildings, 417
In incidental Historical Notic*'S.
419 '
Orations pronounced by
Amot, Rev. David, D.D.. 303
Bonar, Rev. Andrew R. SS2
Boyle, Rev. John, 244
Forbes, Sir William. Bart., 131
Macdonald, George, S24
Order, signification ofi in Masonry, 426
Pawmum, Eight Hon. Fox, Baron,
appointed Kepresentative from
Grand Lodge of England, 300
Right Hon. William Ramsay
Maule, Baron, 299
Panatheuea, Institution of the, 8
Pay ens, Hugo de, 30
Peacock, Alexander, 190
Peebles, proceedings observed at plac-
ing the Keystone of a Bridi^e over
the Tweed at, 216
Perth, Foundation stone of the Har-
bour of, laid, 213
Petitions, forms of, viz. —
For a New Lodge, 466
To the Fund of Scottish Masonic Benevolence
bv a Member of the Craft, 4S0
To the Fund of Scottish Maaonio Benevolence
by a Widow or Child of a deoeaaed Free
Maaon, 501
Philip the Fair, 31
Pivati, Opinions of, f^
Porta, Baptiste, Founder of the Aca-
demy of Secrets, 27
Portobello, Foundation-stone of a
Church at, laid, 176
Precedence, enactments regarding, 116
Professions, separation of, 1
Provinces. {See Notes on the, &c.)
Proviucial Grand Lodges, functions and
status of, 294
Provincial Grand Masters. {See Notes
on the Provinces, Ac, et passim.)
Regulations and Instructions for
the guidance of, 489
■ Form of Commission irranted
to, 487
■ Form of Commission crranted
by, 492 . ^
Provincial (Past) Grand Masters. {See
Notes on the Provinces, &c.)
Proxy Commission by Daughter Lodires,
form of, 456 ^
Rules regarding, 105
Prussia, Grand Lodge of :
Fraternal relations entered Into with, :a
Appointment of a Representative to, ai3
Appointment of a Representative from, 313
Letter from His Royal Highness the Prince
Fredericlc- Willi am of, to the A.o«t Wor-
shipful the Grand Master, 5.8
Pythagoras, 19
Rmeksewtative to a Sister Grand
Lodge, form of Commission in favor
of, 493
Ritchie, Rev. David, preaches before
the Grand Lodge, 167
Hobinow, Adolphus, appointed Repre-
sentative from Grand Lodge of
Hamburgh, 299
Robison, Dr, Opinions of, 55, 71
Rosebank, Foundation-stone of arantro
of Villas laid at, 301 ^
Ross, Donald, Grand Tyler, 803
Rothes, Earl of. Grand Master, 238
Royal Arch Decree, History of, 425
Traditionary Narrative relative to
430 *
Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland,
Minute from, regardirg Mark
Master's ritual, 351 ^
Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, a Ward
set apart in for Free Masons, by
the Managers of the, 103
Another for Brethren recom-
mended by Lodge Journeymen,
No. 8, 106
St Andrew's Day, proceedings on.
passim. *
St Andrew's Day, 1858, Grand Elec-
tion on, 347
St Clair, W illiom. Earl of Orkney and
Caithness, Baron Roslin, appointed
Hereditary Grand Master, 61-53
- — William, resigns the Hereditary
Grand Mastership, 98
Is chosen Grand Master. 100
His death, 131
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASON RT.
St Clair,Explanation regfardingf the two
Charters (pa^es 435 and 437 aupray)
granted by the Masons of Scotland
to William and Sir William, 52-54
St Margaret's Well, Restalri^, Edin-
burgh, design of described, 416
St Omer, Godfrey de, 30
St Petersburg, Petition for a Lodge at,
137
Saulcy, Chevalier de, appointed Repre-
sentative to Grand Orient of France,
346
Schaw, William, 53, 441
Scotland, Grand Lodge of —
Instituted, 54
First meeting of, 98
Processions of, by Torch-light, 1 16, et
passim.
Attends the Theatre, 117, rt pauim.
Diplomas first issued by, 120
Foes of, reduced, 300
Forms a Charity Fund, 101
Gives assistance to Royal Infirmary,
Edinburgh, 101
Contributes to building a Bridge over
the Tweed, 116
Alters the time for holding Quarter-
ly Communications, 131
Fixes minimum Initiation fees, 136
Ordains that a Member of Lodge
Journeymen carry the Mallet in
all Processions, 137
Meets in Aisle of New or H igh Church,
140, et passim ; in Parliament
House, 185, et passim.
Exempted from the provisions of
the Seditious and Secret Societies
Act, 151, 189
Resolutions thereupon, 153, 189
Memorial and Case to Lord Ad-
vocate Dundas regarding said
Act, 155; his Opinion there-
on, 161
Ulterior measures by tho, 161
Prohibits the practising of other than
the Three Great Orders of Ma-
sonry, 162
Enactments by the, relative to
NewConstitations to Daughter LndRes, 100
auffhter Lodt
Tho title of Grand belonging to the Grand
Precedence of Daughter Lodges, iOi, 116
Master alone, 189
The Affiliation of the Grand Master by all
Subordinate Lodges, 116
Political dlfTerences being no bar to Masonic
Fellowship, 146
The holding of communication with any
Brethren other than those belonging to
8t John's Masonry, .62
of a Loage baring the power to
^184
The Master
appoint his own DeputCv
Precedence of a Past Master, 231
Time which should elapse between receiv-
ing each Degree, 256
Installation of Offloe-bear«rs In Daughter
Lodges, 270
The Representation of Daughter Lodges, 177
Scotland, Grand Lodge of, conHnued —
Enactments by the, relative to
The unwarranted Lodge at Amsterdam,
277
The Registration of Intrants, S29S
The meaning attachable to tho Confirma-
tion of Minutes, 292
The Entering, Passing, and Raising of
Candidates, 266
The reception of Lodges risiting a Proyln-
cial Grand Lodge, but not ander its Juris-
diction, 266
The disowning of the Brethren of the Lodges
' Concordia Universel, ' and * EstrdU
Polar,' Peru, 315
Sanctions the publication of the
First Edition of « The History of
Free Masonry,' 166
Attempt by parties to throw oflT
their allegiance to the, 175 : see also
185
Postpones celebration of Festival of
St Andrew, 173, 191, 207
Circular of, first published, 183
Appoints deputies to assist in the
Union between the Grand Lodges
of England, 184
Receives a Petition for erection of a
Naval Lodge, 184; which is re*
fused, 185
Celebrates her First Cbrtbnabt,219
Presents Gold Medals struck on the
occasion to the Grand Masters of
the Grand Lodges of England and
Ireland, 221
Disallows certain Applications from
the Lodge Mother Kilwinning, re-
garding Intrant Fees, 222, 315
Interpret es meaning to be attached
to the term * Free born,' 227
Orders a general mourning for the
Most Worshipful the Earl of
Rothes, 240
Resolutions of, regarding Benefit
Societies, 251
Purchases a copy of the Portrait of
William St Clair, 276
Prohibits all Masonic Clubs, 278
Institutes the class of < Honorary
Members,' 279
Promulgates instructions to all
Brethren present at Initiations, 292
Recommends a regular and uniform
system of Books for Daughter
Lodges, 302
Appoints Delegates to represent her
at the Centennial Anniversary of
the Lodge St Andrew, Boston,
Massachusetts, 312
Votes a sum towards the relief of
the Brethren ^ho had suffered
from Inundations in France, 315
Deliverances by the, upon the Mark
Degree, 270, 346
Summary of the Progress and Pro-
sperity of tho, 359
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THE HISTORY OF FREE MASONRY.
527
Scotland, Grand Lod^e of, continued — Strict e Observantz, Society of, 70
Fees exii;ible by, 468 Sweden, the King of, 279
Grand Office-bearers of. {See Alpha-
betical Table of.)
Honorary and Representative Mem
bers of, 349
Laws and Constitutions of : —
Draft of First Edition read and approved
of. 167
Committee appointed to revise another
Edition, 216
Their report thereon, 317
Second Edition sanctioned, 217
Presentation of copies of, 218, et pastim.
Third Edition sanctioned, 272
Presentation of copies of 272, et patsim^
Presentations to the, 151, et pamm.
Thanks of, voted, 151, etpatnm.
Letter from, 291
proposal from the Grand Lodge
of, tor interchange of Representa-
tives, 299
Representative to, appointed, 299
Representative from, appointed,
299
Syriac Fraternities, 44
Templars, The, 29-40, 43, 76
Temple, Charier of transmission of the
Order of the, 463
Letter from the Registrar of
theOrderof the, 262
Visitations by, 213/272, 280, 290, Tinsley, John, 300
292, 293, 314 • TullLbardine, Marquis of, 349
Secret Associations during the Middle '
Ages, 27
Secrets, Academy of, 27, 48
Siverhissar and Kraki, Masonic Monu-
ments in the Turkish burying-
grounds at, 15
Somenille, Samuel, M.D., appointed
Representative from Grand Lodge
of Ireland, 289
Sou It, Marshal, Diploma of, 289
Spittal, Sir James, 243
Statutis and Ordinanceis be Williame
Schaw, 1698, .441
Stewards, (Grand), List of for 1868-69,
347
Stewart, Alexander James, 316
Patrick Maxwell, M.P., 271
Stow, api)lication regarding laying
Foundation-stone of a Town Hall at,
302
Unoer, Carl Ferdinand, appointed Re-
presentative to Grand Lodge of
Hamburgh, 299
Letter from, 300
Veeoens, D. J., letter from, 290
Warden Courts established, 61 ; refer-
red to, 67
Weishaupt, Dr Adam, 71
>yellington Statue, ceremonial at the
Inauguration of the, 296
Woodman, James Linning, Grand
Clerk, 266, 313
"Wright, Rev. James, preaches before
the Grand Lodge, 140
York, Lodges summoned to meet at,
46
Alex. Laurie & Co. Printers to Her Majesty.
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